Astrophysiker/Astrophysikerin, Astronom/Astronomin

They follow publications such as Astrophysics and Space Science, Physics in Perspective, Physics Today, Physik in unserer Zeit, Physik Journal, pro-physik.de, Spektrum der Wissenschaft, Sterne und Weltraum, The Astronomy and Astrophysics Review, The European Physical Journal (EPJ), and Welt der Physik.

Big Data in science allows researchers to analyze large datasets across various fields. For instance, in medical research, they can identify risk factors for diseases or uncover complex interactions between proteins in medications. Based on extensive data analysis, they make informed decisions. Big Data enables more efficient work in researching new technologies, developing better products, and remaining competitive. Scientists must engage with this methodology to filter and evaluate relevant information.

Interest in theoretical-abstract and organizational-auditing activities is important and helpful for success in this profession. For example, examining models for galaxy formation, developing electronics for detector readout, and observing celestial bodies through a telescope fall under theoretical-abstract interests. Controlling the functionality of astronomical equipment and documenting and processing measurement and observation data are examples of organizational-auditing interests.

Astrophysicists and astronomers primarily work in offices and meeting rooms, observatories, computer rooms, lecture halls and seminar rooms, and development and testing laboratories. Additionally, they may also work from a home office or remotely as needed.

Core competencies acquired or deepened during Studium (university studies) include applied physics, astronomy, astrophysics, atomic and molecular physics, development, research, modeling, simulation (IT), and physical measurement and testing procedures. Other competencies that may be significant for practicing this profession include aeronomy, creating professional publications, geophysics, expert appraisal, AI systems, laboratory work and techniques, university teaching, plasma physics, project management, quantum physics, spectroscopy, radiation measurement technology, technical optics, particle physics, theoretical physics, presentation skills, and scientific documentation.

The advancing digitalization of the working and professional world can change task areas and requirement profiles. Astrophysicists and astronomers may have the opportunity to engage with the following technologies, procedures, or systems: 3-D printing (e.g., constructing planet models for 3-D printing), 3-D simulation (e.g., simulating the formation of a galaxy three-dimensionally and virtually), Blended Learning (e.g., preparing teaching materials for a combination of virtual learning settings and in-person events), Digital Whiteboard (e.g., using an interactive, digital whiteboard during university lectures), Massive Open Online Course - MOOC (e.g., conducting online courses at a university), Numerical Simulation (e.g., calculating astronomical major events using numerical simulations), Open Access (e.g., publishing own research results on Open Access platforms), Open Educational Resources - OER (e.g., license-free image materials).

Astrophysicists and astronomers analyze data obtained from observing celestial bodies and derive theoretical models about the origin, properties, and movements of celestial objects. This requires systematically and precisely measuring infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, and particle radiation reaching Earth and developing laws from it. Collaboration with specialists from other fields such as computer science, optoelectronics, or mathematics requires interdisciplinary thinking and teamwork skills. High demands are placed on their communication skills. English language proficiency, both written and spoken, is necessary in international project teams, at conferences, or for reading specialized literature. Negotiation skills are important in the private sector or public institutions, as well as when acquiring research funds (Drittmittel).

Astrophysicists and astronomers can become self-employed, for example, as freelance employees in research and development.

Example gross basic remuneration in the public service collective bargaining area (monthly): €5,367 to €7,194. Example gross basic remuneration in the commercial economy sector (monthly): €6,378 to €6,650. Sources: Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Länder (TV-L), Collective Bargaining Collection of the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labor and Social Affairs. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), vocational and specialized academies. Research and development in natural, engineering, agricultural sciences and medicine, e.g., scientific observatories. Art, culture, museums, e.g., planetariums or observatories. Software development and provision, e.g., development of software for space observation devices or for space travel. Precision mechanics, optics, e.g., manufacturers of telescopes for space observation. Construction of civil and military aircraft and spacecraft, e.g., participation in the development of spacecraft. Space transport, e.g., at space institutes.

Those who wish to work in this profession typically need a completed undergraduate degree (grundständiges Studium) in astrophysics or physics. Leadership positions or specialized tasks usually require a master's degree (Masterstudium). Activities in science and research often require a doctorate (Promotion) or habilitation.

Astrophysics (advanced), Physics (undergraduate), Physics (advanced)

Astrophysicists and astronomers find employment, for example, at universities and research institutions, at observatories and planetariums, with software developers (e.g., for space observation devices or for space travel), with manufacturers of optical instruments, in the aerospace industry, or with companies that build aerospace vehicles.

Astrophysiker/in, Astronom/in. Professional titles in English: Astronomer (m/f), Astrophysicist (m/f). Professional titles in French: Astronome (m/f), Astrophysicien/Astrophysicienne.

Some characteristics of work and social behavior are relevant for all professions and are therefore not mentioned separately. These include reliability, punctuality, honesty, ability to criticize, and appropriate manners. In addition, the following profession-specific characteristics are required to practice this academic profession (Studium): willingness to perform and commit (e.g., willingness to actively and dedicatedly take on additional tasks in data evaluation and preparation during work bottlenecks), perseverance/determination (e.g., conducting lengthy observations of celestial bodies), meticulousness (e.g., carefully checking astronomical devices and instruments), independent working style (e.g., independently developing computer simulations to predict the development of stars, galaxies, or the cosmos as a whole), willingness to learn (e.g., staying informed about new research results in the field of astronomy and astrophysics).

Astrophysicists and astronomers research the origin, structure, physical properties, and development of celestial bodies and interstellar matter. They work, for example, in science and teaching, in the development of astronomical instruments and satellites, or in data collection and analysis.

Earthworks-jobs.com, nature careers, pro-physik.de, SciTechCareer.

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW), Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam (AIP), Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB).

Responsibility for individuals (e.g., teaching and supervising students), working with technical equipment, machines, and systems (e.g., mirror, radio, and infrared telescopes). Screen work for evaluating results, data presentation, simulation, and research. Working in office spaces (e.g., developing models), working in laboratories (e.g., development or testing labs). Working in classrooms/training rooms (e.g., conducting lectures in auditoriums or seminar rooms in front of a group), irregular working hours (e.g., during observation of celestial bodies).

Professional deployment opportunities categorized by fields of activity: Teaching at universities, lecturer at universities and academies, study program coordinator, process and product development, head of research and development, scientific research, research officer, head of a research group, scientific staff member.

Technical devices and systems, e.g.: Mirror, radio, and infrared telescopes, detectors, satellites equipped with cameras and measuring instruments, particle accelerators. Data management systems and software, e.g.: Astronomical databases, simulation programs. Data and documents, e.g.: Measurement and observation data, project plans, technical documents, presentation documents, specialist publications, legal regulations (e.g., safety regulations). Office equipment, e.g.: PC, internet access, telephone.

Astrophysicists and astronomers work in various fields. They collect data in research using telescopes, detectors, and other observation and measurement instruments. From this data, they derive and publish models about the origin, structure, and properties of objects. In business or industry, they participate in the deployment of satellites or design, improve, and test astronomical instruments. Together with computer scientists, they contribute to the development of databases and programs for astronomical research. At universities, they conduct lectures and administer examinations.

Adaptation training helps to keep professional knowledge current and adapt to new developments (e.g., in the fields of physics, physical measurement technology, statistics, research and development).

Bachelor graduates can expand their career opportunities through further Studium (university studies), for example, in astrophysics. A Promotion (doctorate) is generally required for a scientific career at a university; an Habilitation (postdoctoral qualification) is usually needed for appointment as a university professor. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector, in research, and in public administration.

Astrophysicists and astronomers conduct research in observatories. They develop models for the origin and evolution of galaxies and the cosmos. They collaborate with the space industry to develop instruments for space exploration, such as telescopes, cameras, or satellites. In science and teaching, they plan and execute research projects, sometimes interdisciplinary and in cooperation with research institutions. At space institutes, they plan and monitor the progress of space missions. They analyze and interpret measurement and observation data, deriving theoretical models of celestial objects. They use computer simulations to make predictions about the formation and evolution of celestial bodies. They publish research findings and secure research funding. They design, prepare, and conduct lectures. They develop teaching materials, scripts, exercise, and practical guides. They develop and apply astronomical instruments in the fields of optics, optoelectronics, and optomechanics.

The following additional employment alternative is available for the profession of astrophysicist and astronomer: Geophysicist in the field of scientific research. Similarities include: applying methods of theoretical, experimental, and applied technical physics; evaluating and interpreting measurement results; creating calculations and computer simulations. Note: The mentioned job alternative may require a longer training period or additional qualification.

Astrophysicists and astronomers research the origin, structure, physical properties, and evolution of celestial bodies and interstellar matter. They can work in science and teaching, in the development or use of astronomical instruments and satellites, or in data collection and analysis. In research and teaching, they look into space from observatories and planetariums, for example, searching for planets in other solar systems, and take measurements, such as infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, or particle radiation. Astrophysicists and astronomers collect, evaluate, analyze, and interpret data. From observation data, they derive theoretical models, for example, about the origin and chemical composition of celestial bodies and the forces acting between them, and check whether these are consistent with other observations and physical laws.

The following abilities, knowledge, and skills are required for performing possible activities in this academic profession. Abilities: Numerical (computational) thinking (e.g., translating research results into mathematically describable models), figural-spatial thinking (e.g., understanding and interpreting three-dimensional models and simulations of space phenomena), technical understanding (e.g., developing and optimizing space technology instruments and devices), ability to plan and organize (e.g., taking on planning and coordination tasks in project groups). Knowledge and skills: Calculation skills (e.g., applying complex mathematical methods and models in calculating orbits).

The exercise of the profession may involve the following physical requirements. This information does not necessarily apply to every activity profile or every professional application. Functionality of arms and hands (e.g., setting up experimental arrangements for physical experiments), fine motor skills of hands and fingers (e.g., adjusting measuring devices), near vision - even corrected (e.g., researching on screen; performing simulations and evaluating results; reading measuring devices), color vision (e.g., evaluating different colored displays on screen), hearing and speech comprehension (e.g., discussing research results with specialists from computer science, optoelectronics, or mathematics). Note: This information does not form a basis for legal action and should not be understood as a medical suitability assessment. The actual physical suitability or unsuitability must always be assessed on a case-by-case basis and taking into account the specific requirements of the professional activity.

The following lists professions or activities that show similarities to the original profession. These professions represent a possible alternative for applicants who cannot find a vacant position in their learned profession. Furthermore, employers can consider specialists in these professions as alternatives for filling a job in the original profession. Some alternative professions only comprise partial activities of the original profession, while others require an induction period, which can vary in length in individual cases. The following immediate employment and staffing alternatives are available for the profession of astrophysicist and astronomer: Job and staffing alternatives in related professions: Physicist. A list of all possible degrees of relatedness can be found here: Explanations of the individual degrees of relatedness.

Working as an astrophysicist and astronomer is not a regulated profession. To work in this profession with a qualification acquired abroad, no professional recognition is necessary. However, there is the possibility to apply for an individual certificate evaluation for foreign university degrees through the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB). This can be helpful for applications in the German labor market. Further information on living and working in Germany: Hotline Working and Living in Germany, an information service for people from abroad by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, the Central International and Specialist Placement Office of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, and 'Make it in Germany' – the welcome portal of the skilled labor initiative for international skilled workers.

The following health limitations could lead to problems when performing this profession. The information does not necessarily apply to every activity profile or every professional application. Increasingly, there are also possibilities to compensate for limitations, for example, through technical aids. Restricted functionality of arms and hands (e.g., setting up experimental arrangements for physical experiments), restricted fine motor skills of hands and fingers (e.g., adjusting measuring devices), uncorrectable visual impairment for near vision (e.g., researching on screen; performing simulations and evaluating results; reading measuring devices), color vision deficiencies (e.g., evaluating differently colored representations on screen), hearing impairment, hard of hearing, deafness, hearing disorder, chronic ear conditions (e.g., discussing research results with specialists in computer science, optoelectronics, or mathematics). Note: This information does not constitute a diagnosis.

The following alternative staffing option is available for the profession of astrophysicist and astronomer: Scientific Research field, Geoinformatics Specialist (Geoinformatiker/Geoinformatikerin). Commonalities: Applying methods of theoretical, experimental, and applied technical physics, evaluating and interpreting measurement results, creating calculations and computer simulations. Note: The mentioned alternative staffing option may require an induction period, which can vary in length depending on the individual case.