Physics Research Career Paths

Exploring the World of Physics

From the intricate workings of the universe to the inner workings of a smartphone, the field of physics touches our daily lives in profound ways. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the diverse aspects of physics and the career opportunities it offers, with a particular focus on research.

Graduate Research Assistants

Ahmad Nemer, a graduate research assistant (GRA) from the Department of Physics at Auburn University, spent six months conducting research in Japan on synchrotron radiation collisional experiments. This experience is just one example of the opportunities that GRAs have to work with faculty and other experts on groundbreaking research projects.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Undergraduates can also participate in the world of physics research through research assistant roles. While these positions are typically available to students pursuing degrees, there are instances where undergraduates without a graduate degree have secured research assistant positions.

Research Career Paths

Physics research can be classified as theoretical, experimental, computational, or a combination of these. Theoretical physicists use mathematics and models to explain current phenomena, predict new ones, and describe the laws of the universe. Experimental physicists test theoretical predictions and investigate observable interactions and physical behavior, often working with large instruments like the Large Hadron Collider. Computational physicists apply numerical analysis and other computational techniques to physics problems, such as weather simulations or protein folding.

Research Assistant Levels

At some universities, the mentored research funding for students includes tiers to indicate levels of experience and independence in a research assistant role. These tiers typically start with beginners and progress to independent researchers and leaders. As students gain experience, their pay rates tend to increase.

Advice for Pursuing a Physics Research Career

For undergraduates, it's crucial to build a strong foundation in the basics and to consider expanding their horizons by exploring various subfields and methods of research. The Society of Physics Students (SPS) provides guidance and resources to help students make informed decisions about their careers.

In summary, physics research offers a rich and dynamic field of study, with opportunities for students and graduates at many levels. Whether it's through theoretical, experimental, or computational methods, the world of physics is waiting to be discovered.