“What can I do in astronomy with a major in…”
Are you interested in pursuing a career in astronomy with a degree in
biology? Graduates in biology enjoy a large range of job options in a
number of different fields related to the subject of astronomy.
Academic
Non-academic
College/University: Approximately 55%
of astronomers are employed at or affiliated
with higher education institutions. Many
universities are starting to offer
undergraduate and graduate programs in
astrobiology. A Ph.D. is generally
required, and teaching is often a prominent,
if not primary, component of the job.
Positions at such places include:
- Professor
- Research scientist
National institute/lab: Public research labs
employ biologists for their expertise in
identifying signatures of life or
environments that would support it. These
positions could assist in planning and
supporting robotic and manned missions to
other planets, or work with observational
groups studying planets around other stars.
Additionally, studies are still ongoing
about the way the human body handles
low-gravity environments. Some examples
include:
- NASA Center for Astrobiology
- Space Telescope Science Institute
Private industry: Private aerospace
companies are growing in number as
NASA cooperates on space missions. You
would work in support of private space
missions to land on asteroids, the Moon, or
Mars.
- Space Exploration Technologies
(SpaceX)
- Lockheed Martin
- Virgin Galactic
For more information about careers in astronomy, visit the American Astronomical
Society’s website:
http://aas.org/learn/careers-astronomy