Astronomer Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

Astronomy is divided into two main areas – observational astronomy and theoretical astronomy.

Observational astronomy

In this area, your work could include:

• developing new instrumentation and maintaining existing equipment
• using optical and radio telescopes, or equipment on satellites and spacecraft to collect data
• developing software to interpret the images captured by satellites
• analysing data and testing theories.

Theoretical astronomy

Your work in this area would involve:

• creating complex computer models to develop theories on the physical processes happening in space
• analysing the results of past observations to develop new predictions
• making observations and testing theories
• analysing results in relation to what is currently known to help advance our understanding of events in the universe.

You would keep up to date with developments in your area of interest by going to meetings and conferences, carrying out research, writing reports and presenting your findings.

As well as working in laboratories and observatories, you could also work in a museum, planetarium, or in education - for example, teaching and carrying out research at a university.

Hours

You could work long and irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and nights, depending on the project you are working on and the observations you are making.

Your work is likely to include frequent travel to meetings and conferences, and to visit observatories.

Income

Junior researchers can earn around £20,000 to £30,000 a year.

Senior researchers/astronomers and those involved in lecturing may earn up to £60,000 a year.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

To work in astronomy you would usually need at least a BSc Hons degree (first or upper second class) in a subject such as maths, physics, astrophysics or geophysics. Some universities offer degrees in astronomy, planetary physics or space science as a single subject, or as a combined one, for example, with maths. Some courses give you the chance to spend a year studying overseas or working in an observatory.

Increasingly, employers are preferring candidates with an MSci (Master of Science) or MPhys (Master of Physics) qualification. For some jobs, you may also need to be working towards a research qualification, such as a PhD, in your specialist area of interest.

To do a degree, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English and science, plus three A levels including maths and physics. You should check with universities for exact entry requirements as other qualifications may also be accepted.

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has a list of relevant degree courses, and information on work experience opportunities for A level students. See the RAS website for more information.

• Royal Astronomical Society (RAS)

You may be able to move into astronomy if you have a background in an area such as computer science, maths or some branches of chemistry or engineering.

Training and development

You will need to continue your training by working towards a specialist postgraduate research qualification, such as a PhD. This would involve studying and working closely with a research department at a university for around three years. You would develop the skills needed for individual research and carry out investigations into your particular area of interest.

During your training, you would produce a thesis based on your research findings, and you would be interviewed at length about your work. See the Science and Technology Facilities Council website for information about research opportunities and funding.

• Science and Technology Facilities Council

Once you start work in astronomy, you would usually receive specialist training from your employer. This may also include training related to health and safety, and the practical aspects of the laboratory or observatory. You may also be encouraged to work towards professional qualifications, such as Chartered Scientist status. See the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) website for details.

• Royal Astronomical Society (RAS)

Skills and knowledge

To become an astronomer, you will need to have:

• good powers of observation
• a methodical and logical approach to work
• the ability to work with abstract ideas and do complex calculations
• patience and determination to see a project through to completion – often over several years
• good attention to detail
• the ability to analyse problems relating to maths and physics
• the ability to produce scientific reports for publication
• confidence to present your research findings
• strong IT skills
• the ability to develop good working relationships with colleagues around the world.

More information

Science and Technology Facilities Council
Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1SZ
Tel: 01793 442000
www.scitech.ac.uk

Royal Astronomical Society
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London
W1J 0BQ
Tel: 020 7734 4582
www.ras.org.uk

Opportunities

You would probably start your career in astronomy in a short-term research fellowship post. These posts can last between one and three years. You could be based at a university or a research institute in the UK or overseas. There is strong competition for work.

You could also find research opportunities with laboratories such as the Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories. See the Science and Technology Facilities Council website for links to many of the main laboratories and observatories.

• Science and Technology Facilities Council

You could work directly with an observatory or in a government department such as the Ministry of Defence.

With experience and a PhD in Astronomy, you would have transferable skills that could be used in a number of related careers. For example, you could move into the aerospace industries, satellite research and development, systems analysis, software engineering, teaching, scientific journalism or accountancy.

You may find journals such as The Astronomer, Astronomy Magazine and Astronomy Now, and the following websites useful for further reading and vacancies:

• Science and Technology Facilities Council (vacancies page)
• Royal Astronomical Society
• American Astronomical Society

You could also check directly with universities for vacancies.