Physical and Social Science Occupations

Physical and Social Science Careers

Anthropologists and Archeologists

Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world.

Anthropologists and Archeologists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Paleontologists

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

Atmospheric and Space Scientists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity.

Biochemists and Biophysicists, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Biologists

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Biologists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations,

Similar: Bioinformatics Scientists; Biological Technicians video; Evolutionary Biologists; Marine Biologists; Molecular and Cellular Biologists; Sociobiologists

Chemists

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Chemists Career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Chemical Technicians video; Perfumers

Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands.

Conservation Scientists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Climate Change Policy Analysts; Ecologists; Environmental Compliance Inspectors; Environmental Economists; Environmental Engineers video; Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians video; Environmental Planner; Environmental Restoration Planners; Environmental Science and Protection Technicians video; Industrial Ecologists; Sustainable development consultant

Epidemiologists

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

Epidemiologists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Food Scientists and Technologists

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful…

Food Scientists and Technologists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Agricultural and Food Science Technicians video; Animal Scientists; Soil and Plant Scientists

Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Forensic Science Technicians career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Foresters

Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber’s worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement.

Foresters career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Botanists; Forest and Conservation Technicians

Geographers

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth’s surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area.

Geographers Career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Geneticists

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Geneticists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Geoscientists

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems.

Geoscientists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Explorers; Geological Technicians; Geothermal Technicians video; Mining and Geological Engineers video

Hydrologists

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

Hydrologists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Hydrologic Technicians; Water Resource Specialists video; Water/Wastewater Engineers; Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators video

Medical Scientists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

Medical Scientists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Pharmacologists; Public Health Scientists

Microbiologists

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Microbiologists Career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Virologists

Neuropsychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery.

Neuropsychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists Career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Neurotherapists

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians

Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on and analyze many types of work environments and work procedures.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Park Naturalists

Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

Park Naturalists Career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Outward bound guide

Physicists

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

Physicists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Astronomers

Psychologists

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments.

Psychologists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists video; Educational Psychologists; Industrial-Organizational Psychologists video; Sex Therapists; Sports Psychologists

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Remote Sensing Technicians

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations.

Remote Sociologists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Architectural Historians; Art Historians; Historians; Mythologists; Philosopher; Political Scientists; Social Critic

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

Survey Researchers career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Urban and Regional Planners

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Urban and Regional Planners career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Transportation Planners

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management.

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists career, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Similar: Entomologist; Primatologists; Veterinarians video; Veterinary Technologists and Technicians video; Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers video

Sources: From "O*NET OnLine" by the National Center for O*NET Development. Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. And, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

#Physical and Social Science Occupations #Biologists #Economists #List of Professional Activities #Physicists

Sources: From "O*NET OnLine" by the National Center for O*NET Development. Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. And, Bureau of Labor Statistics.