Astrophysicist
Role Description
Astrophysicists devote their careers to study space bodies such as galaxies, planets, stars and their formation, and other objects in the universe such as black holes or jets. This job usually requires a combined knowledge of physics, chemistry, and computing skills, as astrophysicists work with large quantities of data that need to be processed using specific software or code they write.
As an astrophysicist you will study the universe to help answer the fundamental questions about its – and thus ours – origin, forces present as well as other phenomena observed.
Salary
Starting salary (research fellow) £30,000 to £35,000
Senior position £40,000 to £60,000+
Hours
Usually 9am to 5pm, with some nights and weekends needed to spend for observations depending on a project. May require travel around the world to conduct observations at different facilities.
Prospects
Finding a job in astrophysics usually requires a PhD, after which astrophysicists will usually focus the rest of their careers to study a single phenomenon, such as black holes or exoplanets.
Skills Valued by Employers
- Strong knowledge in Astrophysics and related areas
- Ability to plan and conduct your own research, as well as to write research proposals
- Strong communication skills, verbal and written
- Experience using programming languages (python, java etc.)
- Ability to work as a team
- Some research experience is desired
