Nuclear Scientist Career Description
Nuclear scientists develop knowledge, techniques, equipment or products related to modem nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry and apply these for solving science-related problems in areas such as medicine, industry, agriculture and mining.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The nature of the work varies according to the field of specialisation, as well as the activities of the institution for which they work. Because of the high degree of specialisation, nuclear scientists use very sophisticated electronic equipment, as well as computers and computer-controlled systems in their work. Nuclear scientists usually work in modern, well-equipped laboratories. The work is seldom routine and their own ingenuity and initiative will often determine how interesting and challenging they find their work.
Their work may include the following aspects:
» Basic and applied research in a wide variety of research fields such as nuclear physics and chemistry, radiation physics and biophysics, medical physics, health physics and nuclear energy.
» The production of radioactive isotopes (radioisotopes) by means of nuclear reactors or large accelerators. Nuclear physicists determine which nuclear reaction will be most suitable to produce a certain product with the available accelerator or reactor, and with the minimum amount of unwanted radioactivity.
» Radioisotopes are used in diagnostic nuclear medicine for a variety of purposes, such as imaging of tumours using gamma-ray cameras, studies of lungventilation, kidney-function, bloodflow, etc.
» Radioisotopes can be attached to various organic chemical compounds known to zero in on certain locations within the body. These radiopharmaceuticals can then be used, for example, to provide images of fast-growing tumours.
» Radioisotopes are also used in the medical field as a source of radiation for the treatment of cancer (using for example temporary radioactive implants) and for the sterilisation of medical equipment.
» Radiation is also used in the agricultural sector to extend the shelf-life of perishable products. In industry radioactive sources are used for some measurements and for testing, for example, cracks in inaccessible welds can be detected in this way.
» Radioisotopes are often used as tracers to investigate the movement of air, tides, sea currents and sand and can be used in industry to control aspects such as the release of industrial gases in the atmosphere.
» Nuclear analytical techniques are used on a large scale in laboratories to analyse samples which are of industrial, mining, geological, archaeological or medical interest.
» Nuclear scientists are also involved in the observation, measurement and control of radioactivity and radiation.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Nuclear scientists should have a strong interest and aptitude in Mathematics and Physical Science and be able to think and reason abstractly. Practical insight and skills, versatility and ingenuity are also valuable attributes for this career.
Where can I work?
Nuclear scientists are employed by large organisations and institutions such as the Atomic Energy Corporation of South Africa (AEC), Eskom, the Council for Nuclear Safety, the Directorate for Radiation Safety of the Department of Health, the National Accelerator Centre, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), university physics departments and large hospitals with medical physics departments. Tough corripetition can be expected for available positions.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Nuclear scientists with a lot of experience can
start their own businesses as consultants.
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