Will there be a forthcoming demand for physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential future demand for physicists, particularly in the context of space privatization and its implications for job opportunities in various fields related to physics. The scope includes considerations of job markets, qualifications, and the relationship between physics and engineering roles.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the boom in space privatization may lead to an influx of jobs for physicists.
  • Others argue that most of these jobs would likely be filled by engineers, as they are primarily responsible for designing spacecraft, although physicists with relevant qualifications might still find opportunities.
  • A participant points to SpaceX's careers website as a resource for understanding the types of positions available and the qualifications sought.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the job market for physicists is largely influenced by public and government support for academia, which does not fluctuate significantly from year to year compared to commercial job markets.
  • It is noted that certain branches of physics, such as geophysics and medical physics, have job markets that are more directly tied to specific industries, like oil and healthcare, respectively.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent to which space privatization will create jobs for physicists, with some believing there will be opportunities while others maintain that engineers will dominate the field. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the overall demand for physicists.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence of the physics job market on public funding and the specific industries that may influence job availability, indicating that assumptions about job growth may vary based on these factors.

Avner
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With the boom in space privatization, do you believe there will be an influx of jobs for physicists?
 
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Those jobs would mostly go to engineers since they are the one designing spacecraft , not physicists. Although I guess some physicists with the right qualifications could get the job.
 
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Go on SpaceX's careers website and take a look at their open positions. This should give you an idea of what they are looking for.
 
One thing to keep in mind about physics and the job market is that physics is an academic subject. As such the job market for physicists is driven largely by the public/government support of academia in universities and national labs. Year-to-year this doesn't fluctuate a lot, especially when compared to commercial job markets that are more directly linked to economic demands. There are more professional branches of physics though. Geophysics for example has a job market that is linked with the oil industry. The medical physics job market is linked with healthcare demands
 
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