Physicist

A physicist conducts experimental and theoretical research into the properties and behaviour of matter and energy in Australian research institutions, universities, government laboratories, or industry settings. They design and conduct experiments using specialised equipment, analyse data, develop mathematical models, and publish findings to advance scientific knowledge or solve applied problems in fields such as materials science, quantum mechanics, or particle physics.

Design and conduct experiments using particle accelerators, spectrometers, laser systems, or other advanced laboratory equipment to test physical hypotheses. Develop and apply mathematical models and computational simulations to predict and analyse physical phenomena. Analyse experimental data using statistical methods and software packages such as MATLAB, Python, or specialised physics analysis tools. Calibrate and maintain complex scientific instruments and diagnostic equipment to ensure measurement accuracy and compliance with laboratory standards. Write and publish peer-reviewed research papers documenting methodology, results, and conclusions for scientific journals. Prepare grant proposals and funding applications to secure research funding from bodies such as the Australian Research Council or National Health and Medical Research Council. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of researchers and technicians to conduct large-scale research projects or experiments. Present research findings at scientific conferences, seminars, and to industry or government stakeholders.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll need to publish research to advance your career, which means years of unpaid writing and competing for grants that mostly get rejected. Pay is lower than engineering, job security depends on grant funding (contracts often end), and you might need to move interstate or overseas for the next position. Lab work is repetitive between experiments.

Remote work is uncommon: you need access to specialised equipment. Most roles are in universities, CSIRO, or medical research institutes rather than private industry.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2349, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Apply for research fundingcore
• Apply scientific methodscore
• Apply statistical analysis techniquescore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Computational physicscore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Microsoft Excel Data Managementcore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Quantum mechanicscore
• Report Writingcore
• Reporting and Analyticscore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Write scientific publicationscore
• Written Communicationcore
• Apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracy
• Communicate with a non-scientific audience
• Conduct research across disciplines
• Design scientific equipment
• Develop professional network with researchers and scientists
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Power BI Reporting and Dashboards
• Process Documentation
• Process Improvement Identification
• Quantum computing
• Quantum technology
• Record Management
• Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
• Risk Identification
• Stakeholder Communication
• Supercomputing

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026