Network Engineer

Network engineers are involved in the installing, maintaining, servicing and repair of computer data and communication systems. They can be involved in installing new software and hardware as well as creating user accounts and dealing with permissions and passwords for networks.

Attributes: committed, patient, collaborative

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear engineers design, build, maintain and decommission nuclear power plants. Their work involves measuring and monitoring radiation levels, ensuring the plant meets legal requirements for safety and security, supervising power station technicians and planning safe methods of nuclear waste disposal. They maintain the systems which transfer the electricity from the generators to the outside world and design ways to improve the efficiency of nuclear power plants.

Attributes: committed, patient, resilient

Solid State Physicist

Solid-state physicists study rigid matter, or solids using quantum mechanics, crystallography, electromagnetism, and metallurgy. They study how the large-scale properties of solid materials result from their atomic-scale properties. Solid-state physicists study the mechanical and thermal behaviour of solids including the thermal conductivity, the amount of energy that must be absorbed by a solid to produce a given change in temperature and the melting points of crystals. It is the electrical properties of a solid that are of most interest, in particular its electrical conductivity. This knowledge is used in the production of transistors and semi-conductors.

Attributes: committed, resilient, imaginative

Particle Physicist

A particle physicist is someone who looks at subatomic elements of matter, radiation and subatomic particles to discover how they exist, interact and shape the natural world. They seek to identify the most simple objects of which matter is composed of, and to understand the integral forces that drive their interactions and combinations. Experimental particle physicists design, build and develop the technology required to discover new particles beyond the Standard Model such as sensors, detectors and superconducting magnets. They use machines such as the Large Hadron Collider to find particles such as the Higgs boson. Theoretical particle physicists develop the advanced mathematical quantum theories which underpin the observed physics.

Attributes: imaginative, patient, resilient

Fluid Dynamicist

Fluid Dynamists are interested in the flow and movement of fluids and gases and the forces that affect this. Fluid dynamists study the evolution of stars, ocean currents, weather patterns, plate tectonics and blood circulation. Fluid dynamics has a wide range of applications, including calculating forces and moments on aircraft, determining the mass flow rate of petroleum through pipelines, predicting weather patterns, understanding nebulae in interstellar space and modelling fission weapon detonation. Some important technological applications of fluid dynamics include rocket engines, wind turbines, oil pipelines and air conditioning systems.

Attributes: communicative, hard-working, open-minded

Condensed Matter Physicist

Condensed matter physicists use the laws of quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and statistical mechanics to study the macroscopic and microscopic physical properties of matter. They are particularly concerned with the behaviour of this matter during condensed phases, the most familiar of these being solids and liquids. The study of condensed matter physics involves measuring various material properties with experimental probes. Condensed matter physicists also use methods of theoretical physics to develop mathematical models that help in understanding physical behaviour.

Attributes: curious, self-motivated, passionate

Physicist

A physicist is a specialist in the science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions. Physicists can work in theoretical analysis, where they develop ideas using computer simulations and mathematical modelling techniques to make predictions and explain behaviours. They may also be involved in experimental research where they design experiments to test theories. There are many areas physicist may be involved in such as developing new medical instruments and treatments, exploring robotics and artificial intelligence or investigating new ways to generate power.

Attributes: passionate, open-minded, imaginative

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers focus on power generation and transmission processes to create and implement electrical systems. Electrical engineers develop devices that transmit signals such as GPS and radar and biomedical devices that allow physicians to accurately assess a patient’s condition without an invasive procedure or fingerprint identification systems. They are at the forefront in developing new ways to use solar, wind, water, and other natural sources for power generation. Electrical engineers are investigating the feasibility of using superconductors to run all ship systems and create systems to ensure that satellites remain functional while orbiting the Earth.

Attributes: organised, creative, collaborative

Regional Climate Data Researcher

A regional climate data researcher manages, analyses and prepares regional climate data for climate impact models and visualisation services. They use scientific data handling and experienced scientific interpretation of the climate sensitivity and uncertainties. They provide solutions to regional climate changes and climate impacts and make seasonal predictions on a regional scale.

Attributes: observant, organised, patient

Meteorologist

A meteorologist studies an aspect of the atmosphere and uses scientific principles to observe, understand and be able to explain or forecast how the earth’s atmosphere affects the earth and everyone on it. In weather forecasting, meteorologist need to collect data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations all over the world. They measure factors such as air pressure, temperature and humidity at various atmospheric levels and apply physical and mathematical relationships and sophisticated computer models to make short and long-range weather forecasts. Meteorologists may also monitor climate variability and change, research seasonal forecasting, ocean forecasting and climate prediction and apply the results of research in to give flood warnings or estimate the likely effects of global warming.

Attributes: collaborative, organised, curious