Astronomers and Physicists

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Astronomers — one of 2 occupations here: Astronomers, Physicists.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.93
Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.91
Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.88
Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.85
Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.85
Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.80
Teach astronomy or astrophysics.79
Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.77
Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.74
Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.74
Review scientific proposals and research papers.71
Raise funds for scientific research.69

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Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.63
Serve on professional panels and committees.58
Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.58
Conduct question-and-answer presentations on astronomy topics with public audiences.56
Direct the operations of a planetarium.39

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Comprehension81
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Science81
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking78
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Mathematics78
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Writing78
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning75
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Learning Strategies69
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Judgment and Decision Making66
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving63
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring60
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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Coordination53
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Personnel Resources50
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis50
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation50
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Time Management47
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Negotiation41
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operations Analysis41
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Management of Financial Resources38
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming31
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Monitoring25
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Technology Design25
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Operation and Control19
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis19
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Equipment Selection16
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance10
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting10
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing3
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Physics99
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Mathematics98
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics79
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language76
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Education and Training59
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology56
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Chemistry50
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Communications and Media36
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Administration and Management35
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Design34
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Personnel and Human Resources31
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administrative27
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

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Telecommunications26
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Geography24
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Mechanical23
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Biology21
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Economics and Accounting21
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Customer and Personal Service19
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Law and Government19
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Production and Processing19
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Sales and Marketing17
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Building and Construction16
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Foreign Language16
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Public Safety and Security16
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Transportation15
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Psychology14
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sociology and Anthropology14
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
History and Archeology12
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology10
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Therapy and Counseling10
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Fine Arts8
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Medicine and Dentistry3
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning78
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension78
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Mathematical Reasoning75
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility75
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Flexibility of Closure72
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Information Ordering72
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Clarity72
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

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Far Vision69
The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas69
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality69
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Category Flexibility66
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Problem Sensitivity66
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Selective Attention63
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Recognition60
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Perceptual Speed53
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Memorization47
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Visualization47
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Speed of Closure41
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Auditory Attention22
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Finger Dexterity16
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Night Vision16
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Spatial Orientation13
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Wrist-Finger Speed13
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Arm-Hand Steadiness10
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision6
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity6
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers98
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing Data or Information97
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information96
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information91
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge89
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems85
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events79
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Thinking Creatively79
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Documenting/Recording Information75
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information75
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates73
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others70
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work70
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization66
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Training and Teaching Others64
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies63
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships62
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Scheduling Work and Activities53
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coaching and Developing Others50
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others50
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams50
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates50
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People44
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others44
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards41
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings39
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Assisting and Caring for Others38
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials37
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing Administrative Activities35
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public33
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources32
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others29
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Controlling Machines and Processes27
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Selling or Influencing Others27
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment26
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment25
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Handling and Moving Objects23
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment22
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Staffing Organizational Units22
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing General Physical Activities21
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment11
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Intellectual Curiosity100
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation85
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Attention to Detail83
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Achievement Orientation74
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Perseverance72
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Dependability71
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity69
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity66
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Self-Confidence61
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative58
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Adaptability55
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cooperation49
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

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Cautiousness46
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Leadership Orientation42
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Social Orientation42
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Stress Tolerance38
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control33
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity29
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility23
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism21
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy17
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative100
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic68
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional51
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Artistic38
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social29
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Enterprising15
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day91%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom83%
- Some freedom17%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom78%
- Some freedom17%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually43%
- More than half the time48%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important43%
- Very important39%
- Important17%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours59%
- 40 hours41%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day59%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day65%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive39%
- Highly competitive35%
- Moderately competitive26%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important30%
- Very important43%
- Important22%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others13%
- Contact with others most of the time39%
- Contact with others about half the time39%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important13%
- Very important35%
- Important22%
- Fairly important30%

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Telephone Conversations
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week48%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Important results30%
- Moderate results22%
- Minor results43%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility13%
- Moderate responsibility52%
- Limited responsibility17%
- No responsibility13%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)35%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)52%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never22%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility30%
- Limited responsibility35%
- No responsibility26%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Very important26%
- Important13%
- Fairly important26%
- Not important at all35%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month70%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time95%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month70%
- Never13%
Consequence of Error
- Serious13%
- Fairly serious17%
- Not serious at all52%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Fairly important43%
- Not important at all35%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated26%
- Slightly automated22%
- Not at all automated48%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time30%
- Never48%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
- Never39%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)30%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)65%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a year or more but not every month65%
- Never30%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
- Never43%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month48%
- Never43%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time61%
- Never39%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never57%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
- Never52%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never57%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time26%
- Never61%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never64%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Fairly important22%
- Not important at all70%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never74%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never78%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never70%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never83%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never83%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never83%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time17%
- Never83%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time17%
- Never83%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time17%
- Never83%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time13%
- Never87%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never91%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never96%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never96%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Doctoral degree
Post-doctoral training
Master’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics, SAS, The MathWorks MATLAB, Visual Numerics PV-WAVE
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Development environment software
Abstraction plus reference plus synthesis A++, C, Formula translation/translator FORTRAN, National Instruments LabVIEW
Object or component oriented development software
C++, Oracle Java, Python, R
Graphics or photo imaging software
Avis Fits Viewer, IRIS
Data base user interface and query software
Spectroscopy databases, Structured query language SQL
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Linux
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Data base management system software
Apache Hadoop
Internet browser software
Web browser software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Analyze operational or research data.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Direct scientific activities.
Advise students on academic or career matters.
Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
Support the professional development of others.
Supervise student research or internship work.
Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
Measure environmental characteristics.
Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
Measure radiation levels.

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Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
Provide technical information or assistance to public.
Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
Serve on institutional or departmental committees.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology