Physics, astronomy and meteorology

Physical science professionals master research, measuring, testing and product development. Natural sciences are based on physics and natural science solutions are used to solve human challenges related to energy, cleanliness, efficiency and new innovations in different fields in a practical manner. Research topics of physics experts vary from the scale of sub-atomic particles to atmospheric and astronomic phenomena.

Physics can be studied in the University of Helsinki, the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Jyväskylä, the University of Oulu, the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. Aalto University also offers a Bachelor of Science in Technology degree in technical physics and mathematics majors. Approximately 140 physicists and astronomers (Master of Arts) and only ten meteorologists (University of Helsinki) graduate annually.

Sources of employment and examples of employers

    • Vaisala
    • Nokia
    • Microsoft
    • GE Healthcare
    • Planmeca
    • Valmet Automotive
    • CGI Suomi
    • Okmetic
    • Teleste
    • Gasera
    • Specim
    • Posiva
    • Teollisuuden Voima
    • Bayer
    • Orion
    • Foreca
    • CSC
    • VTT
    • YLE
    • Finnish Meteorological Institute
    • Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority in Finland STUK
    • Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
    • university hospitals HUS, TYKS, OYS
    • Aalto university
    • University of Helsinki
    • University of Eastern Finland
    • University of Jyväskylä
    • University of Oulu
    • University of Turku
    • Åbo Akademi

Alan ilmiöitä

  • physicists’ doctoral degrees
  • increase in technical consultation tasks
  • strong upturn in medical technology exports
  • a field of study closely related to the technology industry, close to engineering sciences

Physical scientists’ titles in Finnish job market

Fyysikkojen, tähtitieteilijöiden ja meteorologien nimikkeitä työelämässä.

Employment and career opportunities

Approximately 2,600 physicists, geophysicists and astronomers are currently in the labour market. Slightly more than 5% of them are unemployed. A great number of physicists are working as teachers. There are approximately 160 meteorologists in the labour market and their unemployment rate is very low. The number of hospital physicists working in health care is slightly below 100.

Need of programming skills, ability to solve technological problems and to study and build models on complex problems are valued in the job market.

Looking for a job?

We have listed the job adds in English in the field of physical sciences – check it out!