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Astronomer

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Are you a star gazer with an inquisitive mind? Do the secrets of the universe fascinate you? If you’re intrigued by the theories that form our understanding of where we came from, then a career as an astronomer could be the path you’re looking for. 

Do you think you’d be perfect for a career as an astronomer? Explore the Science and Research graduate jobs available right now.

Types of astronomer

Astronomers are scientists who investigate and analyse the origin and functioning of the universe, including its stars, planets, galaxies and black holes. Astronomers fall into two areas of expertise: 

Observational astronomy 

Observational astronomers collect and analyse data from satellites and spacecraft. They explore space using high powered radio and optical telescopes, and meticulously log the data they collect. 

Theoretical astronomy

Theoretical astronomers work to explain the phenomena which are observed. They are engaged in using mathematics and creating computer models to test existing theories and to come up with new ideas about the universe. 

What do astronomers do?

Astronomy roles are typically based in universities or specialised research institutes. Here are some examples of what working as a astronomer day to day may look like, depending on your specialism: 

Observational astronomy

  • Collect and analyse data from spacecrafts and satellites
  • Explore and map space using feedback from telescopes
  • Design and develop new computer software to interpret data captured by satellites
  • Develop new technical machinery and maintain existing equipment used to observe space
  • Apply for time to observe at an international observatory 

Theoretical astronomy

  • Plan research projects to test and develop fundamental theories about the universe 
  • Create computer models designed to test these theories 
  • Analyse and interpret observations and data from past theories and make predictions based on these

All astronomers, regardless of their specialism, also spend time collating their findings and writing scientific articles, as well as applying for grants to fund their research. 

Astronomer career path

Entry-level

Most astronomers start by working in research astronomy on summer placements offered by university departments while they are still undergraduates. These placements can often lead to employment in research posts which is when most astronomers study for their PhD qualifications. In this case, you will have a supervisor provided by the university or research institute who will support you through your studies. As well as support from your higher education institution, research astronomers can receive additional training and guidance from organisations like Vitae which are there to support the professional development of researchers in the early stages of their career.

After completing a PhD most astronomers then go on to occupy at least one, but often several, postdoctoral positions, which are short-term research positions on contracts lasting for around 3 years. Networking is also an important feature in developing a career in astronomy, and researchers in this field are often expected to attend conferences and events with organisations like The Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society, to stay up to date with developments in the astrology world. 

Career progression

After this, successful astronomers go on to secure permanent research posts. However, it’s worth noting that these are highly sought after, and most people who have completed a PhD or postdoctoral positions in astronomy don’t go on to be professional full time astronomers. Astronomy is a relatively small field internationally and therefore these posts are very competitive and can be tough to secure. 

For those who do not become permanent astrologers, careers can vary from becoming professors at universities specialising in astronomy, working in more commercial areas such as aerospace or satellite research or taking on management or consultant posts within companies. 

Astronomer salaries

  • When doing a PhD having been awarded a studentship, you receive around £15,000 to cover living costs
  • Astronomers who are in a doctoral position usually earn between £28,000 and £42,000 per year
  • At the top level for professors or senior researchers, salaries can range between £40,000 and in excess of £75,000 per year

Qualifications and training

Reaching the right level of qualification and having great experience helps you secure a job in your dream job. Here is an idea of the education and training that you need to succeed as a astronomer:

Education

Full time astrology research posts are usually found at universities and they tend to be very competitive. You will usually need a first class or 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as maths, physics, astrophysics, astronomy, space science or geophysics. If you’re interested in research telescopes or instrumentation for space missions, then engineering degrees will also be considered relevant. 

In addition to this, you will need a postgraduate qualification such as a PhD or be in the process of obtaining your PhD in the area you wish to specialise in. PhD studentships funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) are an option if you are looking to secure a position whilst completing your PhD.  

Usually, a qualified candidate for a permanent academic position as an astronomer will have 5 to 10 years of research experience already, which can be obtained through working on a PhD and various postdoctoral positions. 

Work experience

A great way to get into astronomy is through work placements in research departments in universities. These will develop your data collection and research skills and help provide you with a better idea of what area you might like to specialise in. Even if you don’t take a placement directly related to astronomy, the experience you gain will demonstrate you are keen to learn and develop your skills. Take a look at some of our summer placements and internships in Science and Research that are live at the moment. 

Astronomer skills

Education is an important building block on the road to securing your career as an astronomer, but it is also important to consider the skill set required for the job. Here are some of the hard and soft skills that you need to flourish in your career working in astronomy: 

Hard skills

  • Computer skills. Much of modern astrology is heavily computer-based and demands competency using data analysis programmes and computer modelling and programming skills. 
  • Mathematics and statistics. It’s important to have a firm grasp on maths and statistics when working on complicated theories and interpreting large quantities of dense data. 

Soft skills

  • Self-discipline and organisation. Often this area of scientific research will not have strict deadlines or deadlines will be self-imposed, so it’s important to have a strong sense of discipline and an organised approach to conducting research.
  • Attention to detail. The analysis of the universe is a vastly complex pursuit. Astronomers are required to meticulously comb through a large amount of data to look for shifts and patterns which could appear inconsequential to the untrained eye.  
  • Verbal and written communication. These skills are essential for working within a team on a project or for publishing scientific research. 
  • Problem solving. To work as an astronomer you will need to be able to think through complicated theories and analyse potential problems with your theory as they arise from further data analysis. 

Pros and cons of being an astronomer

A career as an astronomer can be incredibly rewarding, however it is hard work and not always suited to everyone. Here are some pros and cons to help you consider whether life as a astronomer might be right for you: 

Pros

  • Astrology research is at the cutting edge of scientific discovery. It is an opportunity to be part of history as you contribute to challenging the frontiers of knowledge and what we know about the world.
  • Proving theories right and having scientific breakthroughs is exciting and challenging work with huge job satisfaction when you discover something the world never knew before. 
  • As specialists in a selective field, astronomers’ salaries can be very attractive. 
  • Because astrology is a small community, there is a huge opportunity for international travel, as you will be expected to present your results to scientists and researchers all over the world. 

Cons

  • One of the most difficult things about becoming an astronomer is how competitive the sector is. Even if you do secure a highly sought after permanent position as a researcher, you will be expected to publish papers and secure funding for your department competing with your peers for academic acclaim and security.
  • The nature of scientific progress means that failure will feature just as frequently as success. It can be very frustrating when a lengthy project comes to an end and you discover the results are unusable or not what you expected. 
  • The working hours can be long when trying to complete an extensive data project or work through complicated algorithms. 
  • To become an astronomer you will have to spend a long time in education and your progress is dependent on high grades and qualifications. 

Work-life balance of an astronomer

The hours of an astronomer are generally between 39 to 41 hours a week, and if you’re doing research, your hours will vary depending on what stage of a project you’re completing. Most astronomers occupying senior positions tend to choose their hours and base them around their own work schedule. However, applying for grants or publishing research deadlines will significantly impact your hours in a working week. An exciting part of the lifestyle comes from giving and attending conferences and talks all around the world to present the results of your endeavours. 

Typical employers hiring astronomers

Most astronomers occupy positions in universities or specialised research facilities. Below are some of these can be found, alongside an idea of the types of companies who might have research work placements for aspiring astronomers:

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