“What quantum physics teaches us is that everything we thought was physical is not physical.” -Bruce H. Lipton
While some academic disciplines are much easier than others, it’s worth stating that quantum physics has become one of the most complex topics analysed by students. But, for those who didn’t have the opportunity to study further science topics, what exactly is quantum physics?
Also known as quantum mechanics, quantum physics studies matter and energy at the most elementary levels. The principles that quantum physicists employ are completed so that the properties and behaviours of the building blocks of nature are better comprehended by persons like me and you.
Quantum phenomena are studied at all levels, and while some properties are minuscule, some are larger in scale.
In quantum physics, there are other topics such as quantum chemistry, quantum field theory, quantum technology, and quantum information science.
Some individuals love quantum physics so much that they study it at a higher education level and become physicists in that specific field. Therefore, without further delay, we shall look at the potential jobs available in quantum physics.
What Does a Quantum Physicist Do?
Since every job has a set of tasks or responsibilities, before starting on the pathway to becoming a quantum physicist, students might be curious to know what a quantum physicist does daily.
It’s important to state that since quantum physics or mechanics is a large field, different work tasks depend on the type of quantum physics completed.
For instance, the following list shows the two different types of quantum physicists and what they do:
- Theoretical Quantum Physicists: more than any other type of physicist, theoretical quantum physicists will focus on theorising. Creating theories and conducting research in quantum mechanics might include reading papers, writing papers, running simulations, looking at data, building models, testing models, and working on new theories from quantum mechanics.
- Experimental Quantum Physicists: on the other spectrum of quantum physicists, some experiment rather than dedicate their attention to theoretical aspects. Experimental quantum physicists test their knowledge of matter and energy and spend time building, running, and fixing instruments. Also, experimental physicists will analyse data and write papers.
Therefore, if you like going through the physical characteristics of the natural world and appreciate analytical thinking and mathematics, working in a sector of quantum physics might be for you.
How to Become a Quantum Physicist?
If you’re looking to become a quantum physicist but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place!
Before starting, it’s important to mention that becoming a quantum physicist is a gruelling experience that will require a lot of time and dedication. In addition, there is a lot of competition in the science fields, and success depends on many factors. Such as?
The following are a few steps that are necessary to become a working and employable quantum physicist:
- Getting Good Grades in High School: the first step to becoming a quantum physicist starts during secondary school. Good grades in academic disciplines such as biology, physics, chemistry, and maths are essential. If you're struggling to complete assignments and get good test results in science-related topics, you might consider hiring a private tutor since you won't likely get accepted to a physics university degree programme without outstanding course marks. Also, it's worth stating that it doesn't hurt to get involved in extracurricular activities that involve physics such as science fairs or science-related clubs; university admissions' staff love this!
- A Bachelor’s Degree: the next step to becoming a quantum physicist is completing a three-year Bachelor's degree at a qualified and accredited uni in the UK, or abroad. It's worth stating that you'll need a BSc degree in a scientific field such as physics, chemistry, or biology to receive the necessary accreditations to work in quantum mechanics.
- A Master’s Degree: after three to four years of undergraduate training is completed, the next stage is attending a Master's degree programme in quantum physics to feel comfortable with the domain and to specialise in your research and experiments. Most universities that offer a BSc in physics are likely to provide an MSc in quantum physics or something similar.
- A PhD: while not likely required by many employers, a PhD in quantum physics or mechanics allows a person to become an expert in their domain and to work as a legitimate quantum physicist.
If you find any challenges during your studies, consider enlisting the help of a dedicated physics and math tutor to bolster your understanding and boost your academic confidence.
It's important to state that the necessary qualifications and years of school required to become a quantum physicist may change based on the country you live in or are studying in. Nonetheless, in the UK, the typical steps to becoming a quantum physicist are the previously mentioned ones.
Also, some experts in quantum mechanics and the environmental world might work in a sector related to quantum physics and therefore only require a BSc degree. However, to become known as a "quantum physicist", a Master's and a PhD are required.
But, what are some of the available employment positions for quantum physicists? Find out in the following subheading!
Get a good physics tutor here on Superprof.
What Jobs are Available for Quantum Physicists?
Prior to studying at a university or while participating in a physics degree, it's a brilliant idea for aspiring quantum physicists to consider the many employment positions that are perhaps open to them.
Without further delay, the following is a list of the multiple jobs that are available to quantum physicists in the UK:
- Physicist,
- Application Scientist,
- Research Associate in Physics,
- Lead Research Scientist in Theoretical Physics,
- Research Associate in Physics,
- Senior Scientist,
- Computational Quantum Physicist,
- Scientific Software Developer for Quantum Physics,
- Quantum Mechanics Developer,
- Research Scientist for Quantum Mechanics,
- Senior Research Scientist for Quantum Mechanics,
- Quantum Physicist.
The previously mentioned jobs are perfectly tailored for physicists who have a background in quantum mechanics. It's worth stating that to find jobs in the sector of quantum physics, we highly recommend using job-hunting websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Reed, Monster, etc.
Hot tip: take a close look at the job description since many employers require previous work experience and previous qualifications before granting the employment position to anyone. Therefore, have your resume and past diplomas close by when applying for work.
All of the previously mentioned jobs might require their employees to accomplish varying work tasks such as analysing data in the lab, writing detailed reports on specific observations, and researching new phenomena in the sector of quantum mechanics.
Also, it's important to state that many quantum physicists who have received various qualifications work as educators at a secondary school or university level imparting their knowledge of the physical world to new generations of students.
Now, you might be curious as to how much money per year those working in quantum physics can rake in? While each situation is different, it's worth stating that entry-level physics-related jobs may start at £50,000 or £60,000 and slowly climb up to over £100,000 after a few years of experience and specific expertise. The annual salary is usually based on the accreditations and experience of a quantum physicist. But, also, the location of the job and the company dictate the salary of the employee.
However, it's worth stating that even if you don't end up working in quantum mechanics, there are plenty of employers who would be glad to hire persons who have a quantum physics degree because of the specific skills that they have honed while studying at uni.
Find a physics tutor here on Superprof.
How to Learn Quantum Physics With a Tutor?
Whether you’re learning quantum physics as a hobby or you need remedial help to pass your university examination, there’s no better key to success than hiring a private tutor.
Personal physics tutors help their students reach their educational goals by offering a personalised approach to learning without the traditional classroom's distractions. The invaluable tips and tricks about comprehending quantum physics topics from private tutors are of the utmost quality and indispensable to success.
But, where does one hire a private quantum physics instructor in the United Kingdom? The answer is simple: Superprof. The following are a few reasons why you should hire an instructor on Superprof:
- Affordable tuition,
- An easy-to-use lesson booking software,
- A variety of brilliant tutors,
- A fantastic tutor/student support staff,
- The possibility to take both in-person and online classes.
If the previously mentioned reasons aren’t enough to convince you to hire a personal quantum physics tutor on Superprof, you might like to hear that, most of the time, first classes for new students are 100% free of charge; this allows you to try on a tutor for size.
In conclusion, if a career in quantum physics is what you have been searching for, you’ll be happy to know that the variety of jobs available to you will make your working life worthwhile!
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