7
$\begingroup$

I will soon finish a master's degree in computer science. I have been interested in astronomy for some time, which has included playing around with a Newtonian reflector telescope and reading about CCD-cameras.

I checked some local universities, and was amazed that they have only 10 or so graduates each year (1-2 get a PhD and the rest a master's degree). How many jobs are there for these graduates? Compared to other fields, how tough is the competition in astronomy? Is it different for some relatively new areas, e.g. space neuroscience or astrobiology?

I am considering to apply for an astronomy PhD, so any input would be helpful.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
7
$\begingroup$

The competition for permanent positions in astronomy is very tough. The field as a whole produces roughly ~200 Ph.Ds per year, but there are usually only a handful (say ~10) tenure-track positions that open up every year. So perhaps ~5% of Ph.Ds end up in tenure-track positions in astronomy. There are more permanent positions in astronomy that aren't tenure track positions, but not too many more, probably enough to support about ~20% of Ph.Ds.

As for non-permanent positions in astronomy, there are plenty of those. The funding situation for postdoctoral positions is such that, while there is still a great deal of competition for open positions (stemming partially from the fact that almost everyone applies to almost every open job --- I exaggerate, but only slightly), there are enough open positions, that almost all astronomy Ph.Ds who want a postdoc will be able to get one. But those positions only last for an average of three years.

However the job prospects for astronomy Ph.Ds who decide to leave the field of astronomy (like myself) are quite good. Those holding an astronomy degree have one of the lowest unemployment rates of anyone (around 0.3%).

Here are a few links to some papers on the state of the job market in astronomy:

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ This is a bit parochial. Perhaps you should note that astronomy and astrophysics are international endeavours that occur beyond the borders of one country. It is quite usual (in Europe anyway) to get jobs in another country. $\endgroup$
    – ProfRob
    Apr 29, 2016 at 18:10
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ All that math and stat makes one employable in a lot of different fields. $\endgroup$
    – Wayfaring Stranger
    Apr 30, 2016 at 15:32

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .