Cosmologist - How to become a Cosmologist

If you are fascinated with the stars, constellations, moons and other celestial bodies in the universe and are curious to unearth the mysteries surrounding these objects then this is the career for you. In true sense a Cosmologist is the professional who try to find answers to questions regarding the origins and fate of the universe and most of it is based around the work already done by the Einstein. They also tries to reveal the phenomena’s  that involves the study of motion, nature, law, constitution, and possible future developments of heavenly bodies like the sun, planets, stars, comets, meteors, galaxies, satellites etc. The aspirants who want to make this passion as their profession must have a very good aptitude in general physics. A masters is fine for lots of research work, however a doctorate degree is what that can give you slightest edge to take it seriously and conveniently

Apart from strong hold on the physics the aspirant should have good programming skills, curiosity along with essential ability to search out answers.

As the work of Cosmologist involves those phenomenon which are out of reach from mankind thus there is no time bound working hours for these professionals, they have to work for long stretch of time that too without break.  

So to perform his duties with perfection one should be hard working and dedicated and above all passionate about the work he is involved in. The job of an Cosmologist demands intensive foresight and inside depth of the field one is working in. For this one should have the capacity to work hard with commitment, open mind and clarity of thought.  Thus to do his work most effectively he requires special knowledge and training which can be acquired by going through a particular kind of studies and required training. To be a Cosmologist one has to follow the below given path.

Eligibility to be an Cosmologist

1. Educational Qualification

Basic qualification to get admission in courses that leads a person to the doors of a cosmologist is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Math’s as the main subject

2. Age

17 yrs.

Process to be a Cosmologist

To be a Cosmologist one has to follow the below given steps:-

Step 1

The first step towards this profession is to acquire a Bachelor’s degree either in the physics/Mathematics with honors or a Bachelor’s degree in engineering with relevant trade like astronomy etc. For this one has to clear the entrance exam to taken by the best colleges.

Step 2

After acquiring this Bachelor’s degree in the Physics/Mathematics or for that matter in engineering one has to go for master degree followed by a Doctorate to do research of such a high level. For this aspirants can contact with leading research centers, such as JMU astrophysics research institute, and Departments of physics and astronomy at leading universities can also advise on relevant courses and qualifications

For doing Ph.D one should appear for the  Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) examination.

Step 3

After undergoing any one or more of the above mentioned course one can join private or public sector space organization under some senior scientists to have firsthand experience.

Scope and remunerations of these professionals

Area of Scope

There is a great scope for the qualified cosmologist in various public and private organizations like ISRO the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Space Physics Laboratories, Space Applications Centers, etc. One can also join non-profit organizations like the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA) etc. A beginner in the field of cosmology may be inducted as a researcher into an existing team which would be already working on a project. There they can sharpen their skills under the close supervision of senior scientists. The Ph.D. holders may teach at the college or university level.

Professionals in this field may work for commercial/ non-commercial research, development and testing laboratories, observatories, planetarium, science park etc. Degree/ Diploma/ Doctorate holder in these disciplines can have opportunities in major establishments like the  Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Space Physics Laboratories, Space Applications Centres, etc. One can also join non-profit organizations like the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA) which is involved in telescope making, organizing observation sessions for the public and popularization of Astronomy. 

Remunerations

Because of the global demand of the Cosmologists and supply being far less than the demand these professional can bargain for hefty pay packages from their employers. To  start with on an average one can get up to Rs 30,000 per month. Whereas experienced and qualified professionals can demand salary packets ranging from 10 lacs per annum  to around 12 lacs per annum for those in senior positions.