Astronomy : Job Prospects & Career Options
Working on research is the main profession of an astronomer and this
may usually involve travelling; working long hours including day and night.
The work of an astronomer involves analysis and interpretation of enormous
data gathered by observatories and satellites and making scientific papers
or report their findings. They make observations with ground-based telescopes
or any other sources and apply their knowledge to solve problems in navigation,
space flight, and satellite communications.
A beginner in the field of astronomy may be inducted as a researcher into
an existing team which would be already working on a project. Ph.D. holders
begin their careers in a postdoctoral research position, in which they
may work with experienced physicists as they continue to learn about their
specialty and develop ideas and results to be used in later work. Initial
work may be under the close supervision of senior scientists. Depending
on their areas of specialization, astronomers are classified into various
groups like observational astronomers, stellar astronomers, solar astronomers
etc.
Most jobs in the basic research and development usually require a doctoral
degree. The Ph.D. holders ultimately teach at the college or university
level. Master’s degree holders are qualified for many jobs in manufacturing
and applied research and development. Some master’s degree programs prepare
students for specific research skills that does not require a Ph.D. Bachelor
degree holder in this field are often qualified as technicians, research
assistants or other types of jobs.
An astronomer usually work for the government, defence and space research
organisations, electrical and electronic equipment manufacturers etc.
They may work for commercial/ non-commercial research, development and
testing laboratories, observatories, planetarium, science park etc. Degree/
Diploma/ Doctorate holder in these disciplines can find job opportunities
in major establishments like the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO), the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Space Physics Laboratories,
Space Applications Centres, etc.
One can also join non-profit organizations like the Association of Bangalore
Amateur Astronomers (ABAA) which is involved in telescope making, organizing
observation sessions for the public and popularization of Astronomy.
The prospects of traveling to far distant lands are also open as international
seminars and conventions are held regularly in different countries.
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