Physicists and astronomers explore the dimensions of the universe… from the vastness of intergalactic space… to minute subatomic particles. They study the ways different forms of matter and energy interact. Physicists explore the laws that govern space and time. They may focus on theoretical areas like how the universe was formed, or take a more practical direction such as developing laser surgery technology. Astronomers study planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. Using telescopes and space-based equipment, their research may examine our own solar system, or aim at distant galaxies. Most physicists and astronomers work full time, often on teams with engineers and other scientists. They are employed by higher education institutions, scientific research and development organizations, and the federal government— especially NASA and the Department of Defense. Some need to apply for research grants to fund their work. Astronomers and physicists do most of their work in offices. Astronomers visit observatories occasionally as data from observations has become widely available via the Internet. Some physics experiments require particle accelerators or nuclear reactors, but most research is conducted in smaller laboratories. Research and academic positions require a Ph.D. A master’s degree qualifies candidates for most positions in manufacturing and healthcare. The Federal government employs scientists with degrees ranging from a bachelor’s to a Ph.D., depending on the position and agency.
What they do:
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
On the job, you would:
Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
physics
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
reading work related information
using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Math
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Verbal
communicate by speaking
communicate by writing
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
use rules to solve problems
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Analytical Thinking
Initiative
Achievement/Effort
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Persistence
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Development environment software
Abstraction plus reference plus synthesis A++
National Instruments LabVIEW
Object or component oriented development software
C++
Python
post-doctoral training or doctoral degree usually needed
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