Curiosity is the most important factor for a career start in space biology!
What is out there in the universe?
What is it made up of?
Is there life on Mars or Moon?
What is the effect of the extreme outer space conditions on humans?
If you ever had these types of questions in mind, then definitely you have one of the defining traits of a space biologist.
We, humans are the most adaptable species on this planet, able to live in vastly different environments on Earth. Space represents the true frontier and an ultimate challenge to human adaptive capabilities. Astronauts and cosmonauts, as a group, are selected for their ability to work in the highly perilous environment of space, giving their best.
Work of a scientist in the space sector will encompass asking questions, conducting research, collecting data, interpreting that data, and using science to better understand how and why things happen in our universe. Their major goal should be to advance knowledge by developing theories, so that it can be applied to technology development in many fields.
Space scientists can take up a career in many different fields that relate to the study of space, plants and life in the universe, including chemistry, geology, astrophysics, biology, meteorology and physics and many others. They can work in the government, the private sector or academia.
The first professionals that come to mind when most people think about careers in space sciences may be astronauts, but there are numerous other employment opportunities in this field. If one is interested in working in a field that involves studying the planets, the solar system, and other aspects of the universe, then they should definitely consider investigating the many opportunities for careers in space science, some of which are:
- Biologists (Cell and Development)
- Botanists
- Space microbiologists
- Food analysts and researchers
- Psychiatrists, Physiotherapists
- Behavioural and Evolutionary Scientists
- Biochemists and Pharmaceutical professionals
- Biophysicists and Radiologists
- Geoscientists
- Physicians and Surgeons
- Atmospheric Scientists and Meteorologists
- Engineers and Astrophysicists
Scientists from diverse streams can make a research and development career in the field of space science. For many biologists, the idea of working for NASA or contributing to space exploration might be rather unexpected. Career opportunities in space biology are however, expanding, and these jobs can be exciting venues in which biologists can both do research and expand the appreciation of animals and plant :
Space Pharmacologist, whose focus is to develop new medications with the help of ‘alien’ substances found from a meteor or during space exploration trips.
Biologists, who study the different alien life forms or possibility of life on other planets such as studying the effects of martian conditions on the survival, growth, and adaptation of terrestrial microorganisms.
Plant physiologists, who focus on space farming with crops for food, oxygen production, CO2 removal and wastewater processing.
Biochemists, who study various chemicals and chemical compositions of meteors and substances found in space and research studies such as investigating the UV-photolytic generation and destruction processes of methane on Mars, a potential biosignature molecule in the Martian atmosphere.
Doctors and Medical Scientists, who study the effects of space travel and extended stay in space on the human body, animals and plants.
Health science experts provide astronauts with clinical support encompassing everything that involves the health and safety of astronauts in space, including nutrition, exercise regimens etc. They conduct research on how space affects human health and other living organisms and study the effects of microgravity and space on human health (physical, mental, and social), using human participants as well as model organisms. They seek to learn more about how humans and other organisms adapt to life in microgravity and the side effects of weightlessness, isolation, and space radiation.
Space biology scientists study the changes in gene expression in response to spaceflight and extraterrestrial habitat environmental changes. They can also work as faculty in universities, guide research students, publish papers, sit on academic committees, write proposals, or referee papers for publication.
There are various places where one can seek out scientific job opportunities in space programs. Employers hiring space science workers look for highly skilled applicants with very specialized training and skills. If you feel that the space science field is the right one for you, it is important to investigate the different types of jobs that appeal to you. One should know how to use what they learn through their research to make sound decisions about getting the training they need to work in this industry. After having the necessary qualifications, one will be able to start applying and interviewing for positions in this rewarding field.