Physical Science

Explore a career in Physical Sciences.

Physical science careers represent diverse disciplines, finding new approaches to solve problems and creating new knowledge.

Professionals in physical science fields can be experimentalists or theorists, or some combination of both. They are both “problem solvers” and “problem creators” in academia and industries from oil/gas to pharmaceuticals to federal laboratories. “Problem solvers” perform research to develop knowledge to specifically address a known issue (e.g., climate change, incurable cancer). “Problem creators” conduct fundamental research, asking questions that have never been asked before; they create knowledge for its own sake.

  • Sample Disciplines
    • Astronomy
    • Chemistry
    • Environmental science
    • Geology
    • Meteorology
    • Oceanography
    • Physics
  • Sample Research Jobs  (advanced degree usually required, but technician jobs are available at the bachelor level)
    • Industry research and development
    • Academic research
    • Government & nonprofit laboratory research
  • Sample Teaching Jobs
    • K-12 or college/university level
  • Sample Industry Roles  (bachelor level opportunities)
    • Field scientist
    • Quality control
    • Lab technician
  • Recruiting Timelines

    Employers recruit and hire according to specific cycles that vary by employer and opportunity type. By understanding and adapting your job or internship search strategy to the industry’s recruiting timeline, you are putting yourself in the best position to secure a full-time or summer position.

    The graphic below details when employers of differing types and sizes hire throughout the year. The darker areas indicate a higher level of recruiting activity, which is when you can expect most applications to open and close.

    Key:

    • Large companies: 1000+ employees, public or private
    • Small companies and start-ups: Fewer than 250 employees, public or private
    • Mid-size companies: May hire on either timeline, depending on the employer
    • REUs: Research Experiences for Undergraduates, competitive opportunities for summer research, mainly in academia, funded by the National Science Foundation
    • Government agencies: Federal, state and local
  • Candidate Profile

    Check out the career competencies to understand the skills that will make you career ready!

    Technical Skills

    • Abilities and knowledge acquired through class work, research, internships, and independent projects
    • Relevant coding and software skills
    • Hands-on skills such as laboratory techniques, equipment, machine shop, etc.

    Communication Skills

    • Proficiency in written, oral, and electronic communication
    • Skills in addressing multiple audiences, including peers, management, and clients
    • Ability to communicate technical concepts in an accessible way to non-technical audiences

    Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

    • Skills in identifying, assessing, and analyzing complex problems
    • Ability to organize one’s thoughts and present a well-reasoned argument

    Teamwork, Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

    • Demonstrated experience as an effective member of a team or group leader
    • Conflict resolution skills

    Academic Achievement

    • 3.0 minimum GPA is typical for competitive opportunities

A Day in the Life: Entry-Level Scientist

8:15 PM: I come in and check my e-mail then plan the day. I usually have to communicate with the Operations Group (they run the high-throughput screens) to check on the status of ongoing experiments so I can go from …

By Firsthand
We help applicants, students, job-seekers and professionals like you find the right career path using the power of firsthand experiences.
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Growing Access to Opportunity with the Launch of DOE STEM

Growing Access to Opportunity with the Launch of DOE STEM

Dr. Geri Richmond

Today marks a turning point with the launch of a new website, DOE STEM — which offers a single portal dedicated to empowering students, educators, and the scientific …

By David Cota-Buckhout
David Cota-Buckhout Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Career Support
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Explore occupations by career categories and pathways and use real time labor market data to power your decision making.

First, choose an industry of interest, then filter for occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

Resources and Tools

Many students apply for and complete an REU during their time at the University of Rochester, particularly in majors linked …

Industry Guides

The Vault Guides to Jobs series provides essential information about key careers and industries, with an emphasis on preparing for …

The Vault Guides to Jobs series provides essential information about key careers and industries, with an emphasis on preparing for …

Worldwide, more than 2,700 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies comprise a trillion-dollar industry, with many of the top companies—and one of …

In the midst of an energy boom that has positioned the United States as one of the world’s top oil-producing …

The Vault Guides to Jobs series provides essential information about key careers and industries, with an emphasis on preparing for …

The Vault Guides to Jobs series provides essential information about key careers and industries, with an emphasis on preparing for …

Career Service Hours

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Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 9am – 5pm
Thursday 9am – 5pm
Friday 9am – 5pm

Learn more about 1:1 advising and evening appointments here.

Contact & Location

Phone
(585) 275-2366
Address

4-200 Dewey Hall
500 Wilson Blvd
Rochester, NY 14627

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