Astronomers
Life, Physical, and Social Science (19-2011)
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
$132,170/yr
+2.2%
N/A
Doctoral or professional degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (35)
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Management of Personnel Resources
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
Persuasion
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Evaluation
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Systems Analysis
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Negotiation
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operations Analysis
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Management of Financial Resources
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Technology Design
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Management of Material Resources
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Selection
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Installation
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Knowledge (33)
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Foreign Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Philosophy and Theology
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Abilities (52)
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Number Facility
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Flexibility of Closure
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Originality
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Fluency of Ideas
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Selective Attention
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Perceptual Speed
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visual Color Discrimination
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Memorization
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Depth Perception
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Hearing Sensitivity
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Auditory Attention
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Trunk Strength
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Night Vision
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Spatial Orientation
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Wrist-Finger Speed
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Peripheral Vision
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Response Orientation
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Rate Control
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Speed of Limb Movement
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Static Strength
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Sound Localization
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Glare Sensitivity
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Explosive Strength
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Dynamic Strength
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Stamina
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Flexibility
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Coordination
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Technology (37)
Microsoft Office software
Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand
Linux
Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology
Structured query language SQL
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
The MathWorks MATLAB
Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology
SAS
Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology
R
Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology
Microsoft Word
Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology
IBM SPSS Statistics
Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology
Microsoft PowerPoint
Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand
Microsoft Excel
Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand
Python
Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology
Oracle Java
Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology
Apache Hadoop
Category: Data base management system software | Hot Technology
C
Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology
Fortran
Category: Object or component oriented development software | In Demand
Adaptive optics AO simulation software
Category: Analytical or scientific software
Web browser software
Category: Internet browser software
Starcal
Category: Analytical or scientific software
MSB Software Astroart
Category: Analytical or scientific software
Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
Category: Development environment software
Abstraction plus reference plus synthesis A++
Category: Development environment software
Analyze
Category: Analytical or scientific software
National Instruments LabVIEW
Category: Development environment software
Interface definition language IDL
Category: Development environment software
Astronomical Image Processing for Windows AIP4WIN
Category: Analytical or scientific software
Software Bisque CCDSoft
Category: Analytical or scientific software
Astronomical Image Processing System AIPS
Category: Analytical or scientific software
Astronomical information processing system AIPS++
Category: Analytical or scientific software
Avis Fits Viewer
Category: Graphics or photo imaging software
Multipurpose Interactive Image Processing System MIIPS
Category: Analytical or scientific software
Data reduction software
Category: Analytical or scientific software
Diffraction Limited MaxIm DL
Category: Analytical or scientific software
European Southern Observatory Munich Image Data Analysis System ESO-MIDAS
Category: Analytical or scientific software
Software development tools
Category: Development environment software
Visual Numerics PV-WAVE
Category: Analytical or scientific software
IRIS
Category: Graphics or photo imaging software
Spectroscopy databases
Category: Data base user interface and query software
Work Activities (41)
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Scheduling Work and Activities
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coaching and Developing Others
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing and Building Teams
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing Administrative Activities
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Selling or Influencing Others
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Staffing Organizational Units
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Performing General Physical Activities
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Work Styles (21)
Dependability
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Integrity
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Intellectual Curiosity
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Achievement Orientation
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Perseverance
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Leadership Orientation
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Sincerity
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Empathy
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Cooperation
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Optimism
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Social Orientation
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Cautiousness
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Self-Confidence
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Stress Tolerance
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Tolerance for Ambiguity
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Innovation
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
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