Science communicator

Science communicators communicate science to the general public. They need to make scientific research understandable to people who may not have a background or career in science. Science communicators can be a science journalists or work in a university press office promoting the scientific research carried out by academics. They may deliver science shows or organise events at science festivals, schools or science centres or design and make interactive exhibits for science centres.

Attributes: creative, curious, logical

Useful links:

Polar scientist

Polar science helps to inform the sustainable use of resources and to protect the planet. It includes many different types of research in the polar regions. Glaciologists study the ice in the polar regions. Space physicists study how space interacts with the upper atmosphere using lasers. Atmospheric scientists look for pollution, ozone and other changes to the atmosphere. Marine or terrestrial biologists study life in the polar regions, while oceanographers study the seas and oceans. Geologists study the rocks and sediments in the polar regions to understand the climate in the past. Meteorologists study the links between the polar atmosphere and changes in global weather.

Attributes: passionate, creative and open-minded.

Useful links:

Meta researcher

Meta researchers study research itself. They study research methods, reporting, reproducibility, evaluation, and incentives. They ensure, promote, and defend robust science, free from biases. They ensure all results from scientific investigations are evidence based.

Attributes: curious, patient, resilient

Useful links:

Atmospheric scientist

Atmospheric scientists study the atmosphere of our planet. They may study the weather and make predictions for future weather, but differ from meteorologists as they study the past, present and future impacts of large weather systems on the Earth along with smaller impacts on biological life. Atmospheric scientists may study and analyse air quality to assess the impact of this on the environment and public health. They collect data to produce computer models to predict the impacts of the atmosphere on the planet in the future.

Attributes: creative, observant and passionate

Useful links:

Water quality scientist

Water quality scientists ensure water quality standards for safe drinking water are met. They test and analyse water samples and ensure these meet the water quality standards. They may specialise in working with drinking water, ground water or surface water including rivers, lakes and estuaries.  Water quality scientists may need to work closely with businesses, the public or other water industry professionals.

Attributes: communicator, logical, observant

Useful links:

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

Military Weather Officer

Military Weather Officers are responsible for directing weather forecasting activities and integrating weather conditions into the planning of military missions as well as disaster relief and humanitarian operations. They integrate current and forecasted atmospheric and space weather conditions into operations and planning. Military Weather Officers also develop, direct and coordinate meteorological weather studies and research.

Attributes: hard-working, resilient, committed

Meteorological Technician

Meteorological technicians are responsible for the collection of meteorological information. This includes observations of different elements such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, visibility and clouds by using various aids such as computers, radar and automatic weather stations. After a meteorological technician has checked all the information, it is sent to weather, air navigation and marine offices. Weather offices at airports are also manned by meteorological technicians.

Attributes: hard-working, observant, passionate

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

Geophysicist

A geophysicist is someone who studies the Earth using gravity, magnetic, electrical, and seismic methods. They assist the oil and gas industries by creating a picture of what lies below the earth’s surface by collecting data on seismic waves, which move through and around the earth. Geophysicists are responsible for controlling the quality of the seismic data collected and interpreting it in order to create maps of the build-up of hydrocarbons. They examine the physical properties of rocks, as well as gathering data in order evaluate areas for environmental hazards or to build dams and construction sites.

Attributes: curious, observant, imaginative