10
Life as an Astronomer:
Academia
Research University
Teaching University/College
Research Facilities
Government Labs
National Observatories
Other
planetariums, telescope support, etc.
Private Sector
Slide 11
11
Life as an Astronomer: 4. How do we spend our time? (part 1 of 2)
Academia: Teaching University/College
teach 3-4 classes/yr
advise students
run observatory labs
support public outreach
less emphasis on research
Academia: Research University
bring in grant money
publish research papers
support observing facilities/instruments/ programs
supervise thesis projects
teach 1-2 classes/yr
serve on committees
Slide 12
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Life as an Astronomer:
Government Lab or National Observatory
support user community
publish research papers
manage people/projects
generally little or no teaching or grant raising
Other/Private Industry
planetariums
science writing
telescope operators
science education
computer programming/ systems support
web design
defense industry
communications industry
“rocket scientist” on Wall Street
Slide 13
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Life as an Astronomer: 5. Training
After M.S., attrition is mostly voluntary
long hours, but flexible schedule
extensive all-expense paid travel to exotic
locations
no or poor health and retirement benefits
Support:
Teaching or Research Assistant
~$15,000 - $20,000/yr
plus tuition waiver
~70 colleges/universities
in U.S. offer Astronomy
or Astrophysics degree
B average or better and decent GRE scores
Slide 14
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Life as an Astronomer:
~10 years from High School
~16 years from
High School
Payscale:
$35,000-$45,000
geographically limited
employment options
no or poor benefits
extensive all-expense paid
travel to exotic locations
long hours, but flexible
schedule
Payscale: $45,000 - $70,000 at “Assistant” Rank
$70,000 - $90,000 at “Associate” Rank
$90,000 - $170,000 at “Full” Rank
geographically limited employment options
extensive travel
long hours
~22 years from High School before you know if you have a permanent position
Slide 15
15
Life as an Astronomer: What Astronomers don’t do
Tell your horoscope
have a special line to space aliens
memorize the constellations