What does it take to become an Astrobiologist?, Everything you need to know about Astrobiologist

About Astrobiology

Astrobiology is a branch of astronomy that investigates the possibility of life existing outside of Earth. Many scientists pursue careers in astrobiology to be a part of new discoveries and to learn about space. If you have a scientific background and want to help discover new life in space, you should consider becoming an astrobiologist. In this article, we look at what it's like to work as an astrobiologist, including job duties and skills, and we look at how to become one.

What exactly is an Astrobiologist?

An astrobiologist is a scientist who investigates the possibility of life existing outside of Earth. A large part of an astrobiologist's job is typically research, as they can study life on Earth to learn about the possibility of it existing in space. These scientists, for example, can observe different organisms in different environments to determine how they can adapt and survive. They can also conduct research on planets to determine which may have the conditions for life. Some astrobiologists concentrate their efforts on looking for signs of intelligent life in space via radio signals or satellite images.

An astrobiologist is someone who investigates the possibility of life on planets other than Earth. Astrobiologists study the origins of life and how it can survive in a wide range of environments. This frequently entails studying extreme life right here on Earth. They investigate various planets and moons to see if the conditions there could support life. Some astrobiologists work on projects that look for radio signals from intelligent life in the Universe, while others look for places where the most primitive forms of life may exist. An astrobiologist is typically knowledgeable in both biology and astronomy.

What exactly does an Astrobiologist do?

Here are some of the most common responsibilities of an astrobiologist:

• Using research to answer scientific questions
• Assisting NASA in its preparations for space missions
• Observing phenomena in space with telescopes and other equipment
• Observing bacteria in harsh environments to learn about their ability to survive
• Using mathematical calculations to analyse data
• Investigating the possibility of alien life on other planets
• Searching for radio signals from extraterrestrial life
• Investigating the moons of various planets in order to identify environments that can support life
• Creating scholarly articles based on their discoveries
• They are presenting their findings at conferences and events.

What does it take to become an Astrobiologist?

Here are some steps you can take to launch your own astrobiology career:

1. Get a bachelor's degree in a scientific field.

Earning a B.Sc in Astronomy is the first step toward becoming an astrobiologist, as this is the minimum education requirement for most jobs in the field. It is critical for students to major in a specific scientific discipline, as learning about a single subject in great depth can prepare students to work in astrobiology. Astronomy is a popular major for aspiring astrobiologists, but you can also choose a closely related subject such as biology, chemistry, or physics.

2. Study for a master's degree in Astrobiology.

Many professionals in this field pursue M.Sc in Astronomy after earning a bachelor's degree. This is because some universities offer graduate programmes devoted solely to astrobiology, which can help students prepare for careers by allowing them to conduct advanced research. These professionals are most likely to enrol in graduate programmes in astrobiology, but there are also opportunities to earn master's degrees in areas such as life in extreme environments and cosmology.

3. Finish research projects

Completing research projects is the most common way for an astrobiologist to gain professional experience. As a result, many candidates begin conducting independent research while pursuing their master's degrees. Completing a research project while in graduate school can also be advantageous because it allows students to use specialised equipment that they might not otherwise have access to. There are also opportunities to participate in research projects with organisations such as NASA, which can be found on the internet. 

4. Establish a professional network.

It can be beneficial to expand your professional network while conducting research. This is due to the fact that astrobiologists frequently collaborate and assist one another with their projects. As a result, having some connections in the field can open up more job opportunities and introduce you to new industry techniques used by other professionals. You can network by attending events and contacting established professionals online.

5. Apply for astrobiology jobs.

You can begin applying for jobs as an astrobiologist once you have a network and some research experience. Astrobiologists are typically employed by government agencies, research institutions, and other organisations dedicated to scientific discovery. Reaching out to professionals in your network to inquire about potential job opportunities can also be beneficial.

Courses 

• Bachelor of Art (B.Sc. or B.Tech.) in Astrobiology
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Astrobiology 
• Diploma course in Astrobiology

Best Colleges for Astrobiology in India

• Indian Astrobiology Research Centre, Mumbai
• Fergusson College, Pune
• Christ College, Bangalore
• Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pune
• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
• Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Astrobiology Job Opportunities

• Universities 
• Institutes of Private Research
• Government-funded Organizations
• Laboratories for Research

An Astrobiologist's job responsibilities are as follows:

• Using telescopes to investigate the availability of habitable planets beyond the Milky Way
• Experiment planning and monitoring
• Performing mathematical operations on obtained data
• Publication of findings in journals or at conferences
• Teach in universities or colleges.

An Astrobiologist's working environment

An astrobiologist can work in almost any research environment. Laboratories, government agencies, and private research organisations are the most common places for astrobiologists to work. They can also find work at universities, particularly those with large science departments. Most astrobiologists work both independently and as part of a team, with their responsibilities shifting depending on the research project at hand.

Astrobiologist abilities

Here are some skills that an astrobiologist may need:

• Astronomy and life science knowledge are required.
• Capability to use scientific research tools
• Paying close attention to detail
• Collaboration
• Data analysis
• Communication 
• Writing

What is the average salary for an Astrobiologist?

The salary offered to an Astrobiologist is determined by the candidate's level of education, skills, and experience. However, one can expect a starting salary of up to INR 4 Lacs to INR 9 Lacs per year, which will likely increase with experience.

What are the ramifications of Astrobiology courses in India?

Astrobiology is a new career field, and opportunities in this field are gradually and steadily increasing in India. It is a dynamic course that offers you a diverse range of research topics. Overall, it's an intriguing career path for those interested in space and its theories. After completing Astrobiology courses in India, one can work in both private and government-funded organisations, as well as pursue a career in education.