Who's a Cosmologist?
Do you want to uncover the secrets of the universe? Would you like to study and analyse meteorites or other extraterrestrial particles? Want to know when and how the solar system was formed? If so, consider a career in cosmology.
As a cosmologist, you would study the chemical composition of the various matter in the universe. For this, you will analyse the chemical composition of meteorites and other physical samples. Click here to find out more about the field of cosmology.
What will you do?
Where will you work?
How do you get there?
What skills would you need?
Analytical and Data Skills
Analytical and data skills involve the ability to evaluate information, interpret data, and draw insights to solve problems or make informed decisions. These skills require critical thinking, logical reasoning, and proficiency in working with data sets, often using tools like Excel, SQL, or statistical software. This skill set helps you break down complex problems, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions. In the workplace, strong analytical and data skills allow you to provide insights that guide strategies, optimise processes, and drive innovation. They are essential for roles involving research, business analysis, marketing, finance, and operations. build this skill
Technical Skills
Technical skills refer to the specific knowledge and abilities required to perform particular tasks, often related to technology, engineering, computer science, or specialized fields. These skills encompass a wide range of competencies, including proficiency in software applications, programming languages, data analysis tools, and technical writing. Mastering technical skills allows individuals to effectively utilise tools and technologies relevant to their job roles. Strong technical skills will enable professionals to troubleshoot issues, implement solutions, and contribute to innovation within their organisations. build this skill
Communication Skills
Communication skills are the ability to clearly express ideas, information, and feelings, both verbally and in writing, so others can easily understand. This includes listening effectively, using the right tone, and being aware of non-verbal cues like body language. These skills help you explain your thoughts clearly, build relationships, and work better in teams. Good communication is important in almost every job, from customer service to leadership roles, because it ensures that tasks are understood and done correctly, and it helps prevent misunderstandings. build this skillHow do you make it to the top ranks?
Junior Researcher
To begin your career in any kind of planetary or extra-terrestrial science, you can join as a research fellow in any research institute or centre. Public and private organisations both offer good scope for a researcher in such specialised fields.
Research Scientist
As you move ahead in your career, your experience in research can help many cosmochemists working above you, with their projects. You become an integral member of their team, helping them with the basic research for their study.
Senior Cosmochemist
Once you gain experience and expertise in your field, you can kickstart your own research project or head a project for your research institute or centre. Your focus here is to understand the origin and evolution of the Solar System through the study of extraterrestrial material.
Pursuing your career locally VS abroad
Cosmology is a relatively new field and there are no courses to pursue this specialised career in India. Students, however, can pursue courses to related to it and turn towards cosmology later during their career. To become a cosmologist, it is necessary to study maths, physics, and chemistry in Class 12. Following this, you either choose to pursue a BSc in Physics/ Biology/ Chemistry/ Mathematics/ Geology/ Astrophysics. A bachelor’s course may cost up to INR 5000 to INR 5,00,000 and a following post-graduate course in astrophysics, astronomy, or earth science, could cost up to INR 2,00,000. While programming skills are not necessary for cosmology, students with the knowledge of basic languages do have higher chances of landing desirable jobs.
In India, there is a severe shortage of both courses as well as research institutes in cosmology. This prompts many aspirants to look abroad while pursuing courses in the field. While cozmology is still a relatively new field, it had its beginnings around the 1950s-1960s abroad. In India, students who wish to train within this field can find post-graduate opportunities either in the subject itself or in related fields like astrophysics, geochemistry, earth science, geophysics, astronomy, and space instrumentation. The US, Canada, and the UK have some of the best institutions for this field, such as California Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, University of Hawaii, University of Western Ontario, University of Manchester, and the University of Heidelberg among others. Most of these colleges offer Master’s programmes along with a PhD, which is essential in a career like this that depends heavily on research. Courses here can cost you anywhere in between INR 5,00,000 – INR 30,00,000.
How much would you get paid?
Since the field is relatively new in India, you can look for jobs abroad to gain more knowledge and a better work environment and opportunity. Your pay would depend entirely on where you're working, your skillset and experience, and your success in the field. However, we can give you a fair idea of how much you can earn as a cosmologist
What are your career options?
*Please Note
Cosmology is a relatively new course and a concentration of planetary science, thus it does not have any more specialised branches within the field.
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