Nuclear Scientist

The field in which nuclear scientists work covers a broad range of activities, from designing and monitoring nuclear power plants to developing medicines and equipment. The work is seldom routine and calls for a high degree of original thought. It is also highly complex, entailing the use of very sophisticated electronic equipment and computer-controlled systems.

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The work of nuclear scientists includes basic and applied research in nuclear physics and chemistry, radiation physics and biophysics, medical physics, health physics and nuclear energy.

They work with the production of radioactive isotopes (radioisotopes) by means of nuclear reactors or large accelerators. It is the responsibility of nuclear scientists to determine the most suitable nuclear reaction with the minimum amount of unwanted radioactivity.

Radioisotopes can be used in:

• diagnostic nuclear medicine
• treatment of cancer
• sterilisation of medical equipment
• tracing the movement of air, tides, sea currents and sand, which can be used in industry to control aspects such as the release of industrial gases into the atmosphere
• the extension of the shelf-life of fresh products

Nuclear scientists are also involved in the purification of irradiated material; development of techniques to analyse samples that are of industrial, mining, geological or archaeological interest; and the observation, measurement and control of radioactivity and radiation.

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Personal Requirements

Degree: BSc degree majoring in Physics and Chemistry or Physics and Mathematics.

Post-graduate study: BSc Honours degree specialising in Physics, Chemistry or other relevant fields. An MSc or PhD is recommended, especially for a career in research - e.g. NWU, UNISA, UJ, NMMU, UZ.

 

Recommended Interests and Skills

• good aptitude for mathematics and physical science
• above-average intelligence
• able to think abstractly and originally
• responsible
• practical insight and skills
• versatile

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How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution has its own entry requirements.

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What to Study

Degree: BSc degree majoring in Physics and Chemistry or Physics and Mathematics.

Post-graduate study: BSc Honours degree specialising in Physics, Chemistry or other relevant fields. An MSc or PhD is recommended, especially for a career in research - e.g. NWU, UNISA, UJ, NMMU, UZ.

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Employment

• universities
• large hospitals
• Directorate for Radiation Safety of the Department of Health
• NECSA
• Eskom
• The National Accelerator Centre
• SABS

Positions in this field are not plentiful and competition is fierce. Those that are better qualified stand a better chance.

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Further Information

Any of the above mentioned potential employers

The SA Institute of Physics
CSIR Main Campus
Building 33
Meiring Naude Rd
Brummeria, 0184
Tel: (012) 841-2655
www.saip.org.za

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Getting Started

• read up on new discoveries and the latest technology associated with nuclear power
• speak to a nuclear scientist about this career

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