Experimental Physicist

Experimental physicists do hands-on tests to understand how the world works. They design experiments, collect data and figure out what it means, helping us build new technology and understand nature.

Experimental Physicist

28

Physical Sciences

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO28%moving to73%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI can already do some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.

Who hires for this

CERNCERN is a world-renowned research organisation that offers cutting-edge facilities for experimental physicists, focusing on particle physics and fundamental research.UK Atomic Energy AuthorityThis organisation is at the forefront of fusion energy research, providing experimental physicists with opportunities to work on innovative energy solutions.National Physical LaboratoryThe NPL is the UK's national measurement institute, offering experimental physicists a chance to work on precision measurements and standards.University College LondonUCL is a leading university with a strong physics department, providing opportunities for experimental physicists in academic research.Imperial College LondonImperial is known for its cutting-edge research in physics and engineering, making it an excellent employer for experimental physicists.University of ManchesterThe University of Manchester has a strong reputation in experimental physics, offering various research opportunities and collaborations.Oxford InstrumentsOxford Instruments is a leading provider of high-technology tools and systems for research, making it a great place for experimental physicists.The Science and Technology Facilities CouncilSTFC supports cutting-edge research in physics and astronomy, providing a dynamic environment for experimental physicists.The University of EdinburghThe University of Edinburgh offers a vibrant research community in physics, ideal for experimental physicists looking to advance their careers.The University of BristolBristol is known for its innovative research in experimental physics, providing excellent career opportunities for graduates.
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AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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