Physicists

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 7 (47%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 7 (47%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 1 (7%)

• Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Write research proposals to receive funding.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and apply these theories and laws to problems in areas such as nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Develop manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes of lasers, masers, infrared, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Teach physics to students.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Collaborate with other scientists in the design, development, and testing of experimental, industrial, or medical equipment, instrumentation, and procedures.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Develop standards of permissible concentrations of radioisotopes in liquids and gases.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Conduct application evaluations and analyze results to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other uses for electro-optical devices.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Advise authorities of procedures to be followed in radiation incidents or hazards, and assist in civil defense planning.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Observe the structure and properties of matter, and the transformation and propagation of energy, using equipment such as masers, lasers, and telescopes, to explore and identify the basic principles governing these phenomena.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task