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How a physicist can use AI, task by task

O*NET 19-2012.00: PhysicistsMedian pay $172,250/year (BLS, May 2025)16 tasksJob Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Astrophysicist, Biophysics Scientist, Health Physicist, Medical Physicist, Research Physicist, Scientist.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 5%AI-assist 87%Stays human 8%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 1 AI-ready, 14 AI-assist and 1 human-led tasks out of 16. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.Crunch the numbers · Daily
Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.Crunch the numbers · Daily
Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.Explain it clearly · Weekly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.Hands-on work · Monthly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 1

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Write research proposals to receive funding.

A few times a year

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to write research proposals to receive funding.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Project: [describe]
Funder: [requirements]

Draft the proposal. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Funding proposal

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you write research proposals.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Funder] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere. Recompute every total yourself.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding..

AI can help you prep these 14

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.

Daily

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 52% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.

Context: We use The MathWorks MATLAB and Statistical software; the work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Problem: [describe]
Data: [paste or describe]

Suggest the right method, assumptions, and code. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Apply a statistical method

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform complex calculations (today).

Step 2Fill in [Problem] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields..

Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.

Daily

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.

Context: We use Wolfram Research Mathematica and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Data: [paste or describe]
Question: [what to determine]

Suggest analysis steps, methods and code. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Geoscience data interpretation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you analyze data (today).

Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze geological or geographical data..

Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 43% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.

Context: We use The MathWorks MATLAB and Statistical software; the work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Technical presentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you describe express observations and conclusions (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Topic], [Audience] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations..

Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.

Weekly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.

Context: We use Wolfram Research Mathematica and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Project: [research, audit, multidisciplinary]
My role: [describe]

List what to prepare, questions for collaborators, and a shared plan outline. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Collaboration prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with other scientists in the design, development (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [My role] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Open two of the sources it gives and confirm the key claim before you use it.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists..

Teach physics to students.

Weekly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to teach physics to students.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Topic: [concept]
Students: [level]

Plan a lecture with demonstrations, problems and misconceptions to address. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Science class session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you teach physics (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Students] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Instruct college students in physical or life sciences..

Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.

Monthly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.

Context: We use The MathWorks MATLAB and Statistical software; the work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Phenomenon: [describe]
Data: [observations]

Suggest models and simulation code. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Physical model or simulation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design computer simulations.

Step 2Fill in [Phenomenon] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop theories or models of physical phenomena..

Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.

A few times a year

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.

Context: We use The MathWorks MATLAB and Statistical software; the work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Technical presentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you report experimental results.

Step 2Fill in [Topic], [Audience] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations..

Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.

Monthly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.

Context: We use The MathWorks MATLAB and Statistical software; the work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Phenomenon: [describe]
Data: [observations]

Suggest models and simulation code. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Physical model or simulation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop theories and laws.

Step 2Fill in [Phenomenon] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop theories or models of physical phenomena..

Perform peer reviews of scientific papers.

A few times a year

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to perform peer reviews of scientific papers.

Context: We use The MathWorks MATLAB and Statistical software; the work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Technology or method: [describe]
Our needs: [requirements]

Compare it with our current approach on accuracy, cost, time and risk, and propose a small trial.

10-minute exercise: Evaluate a new method or technology

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform peer reviews of scientific papers.

Step 2Fill in [Technology or method] and [Our needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run the trial it proposes if feasible.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate new technologies or methods.. Also involves: Evaluate scholarly materials.; Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations..

Develop manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes of lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices.

A few times a year

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to develop manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes of lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Product or process: [describe]
Needs: [customer, quality]

Draft specifications with tolerances and tests. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Product specification

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop manufacturing, assembly and fabrication processes of lasers.

Step 2Fill in [Product or process] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 2.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop specifications for new products or processes.. Also involves: Develop technical specifications for systems or equipment.; Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment..

Conduct application evaluations and analyze results to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other uses for electro-optical devices.

A few times a year

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to conduct application evaluations and analyze results to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other uses for electro-optical devices.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk AutoCAD; the work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Application: [fuel cell, nano-device, product]
Requirements: [properties, cost, safety]

Generate material or design concepts with trade-offs and tests. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Materials design brainstorm

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct application evaluations.

Step 2Fill in [Application] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Design materials for industrial or commercial applications.. Also involves: Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems.; Assemble precision electronics or optical equipment..

Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.

A few times a year

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.

Context: We use Wolfram Research Mathematica and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Activity and area: [land use, industry, development]
Species or resources of concern: [list]

Outline likely effects, study design, sampling methods, and literature to review. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Environmental effects study

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct research to potential environmental impacts of atomic.

Step 2Fill in [Activity and area] and [Species or resources of concern].

Step 3Check the sampling method against your field's standard protocol. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 2.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.. Also involves: Evaluate environmental impact of operational or development activities.; Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems.; Evaluate characteristics of products..

Advise authorities of procedures to be followed in radiation incidents or hazards, and assist in civil defense planning.

A few times a year

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to advise authorities of procedures to be followed in radiation incidents or hazards, and assist in civil defense planning.

Context: The work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Hazard: [radiation, siting, materials]
Audience: [authorities]

Explain procedures and recommendations. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Hazard management advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise authorities of procedures.

Step 2Fill in [Hazard] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 2.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.. Also involves: Advise others on logistics topics.; Advise others on health and safety issues..

Develop standards of permissible concentrations of radioisotopes in liquids and gases.

A few times a year

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to develop standards of permissible concentrations of radioisotopes in liquids and gases.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Area: [warehouse, IT, facility]
Risks: [hazards, threats]
Rules: [regulations, standards]

Draft a policy with scope, rules, responsibilities, training and enforcement. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Safety or security policy

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop standards of permissible concentrations of radioisotopes.

Step 2Fill in [Area], [Risks] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Review with the people who'll follow it.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 2.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop safety standards, policies, or procedures.. Also involves: Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures..

These stay human 1

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time

Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a physicist. Part of my job is to observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.

Context: The work draws on physics, mathematics and engineering and technology.
Instrument: [microscope, chromatograph]
Analysis: [describe]

List setup, calibration and run steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Lab instrument operation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe the structure and properties of matter.

Step 2Fill in [Instrument] and [Analysis] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate laboratory or field equipment..

Get the full prompt pack for Physicists

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Operations Monitoringimportance 2.6/5
Used in: Controlling Machines and Processes

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Critical Thinkingimportance 4.6/5
Used in: Analyzing Data or Information
Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.5/5
Used in: Analyzing Data or Information
Writingimportance 4.4/5
Used in: Documenting/Recording Information
Speakingimportance 4.5/5
Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

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Your skills already line up
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Your skills already line up
Nanosystems Engineers32% human-led · Same preparation · $122,930/yr · usually doctoral degree
Skills to build: Quality Control Analysis, Technology Design, Time Management
Biochemists and Biophysicists23% human-led · Same preparation · $127,410/yr · usually post-doctoral training
Your skills already line up

Getting into this job

Doctoral degree is most common (49% of workers)

Bachelor's 4%
Graduate degree 96%

On-the-job training: 6–12 months
Related experience: 2–4 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe PhotoshopAmazon Web Services AWS softwareAnsible softwareAutodesk AutoCADCC++Eclipse IDEExtensible markup language XMLGitJavaScriptLinuxMicrosoft Access