Also called: Technosignature Scientist
Listens and looks for signals from intelligent life beyond Earth.
You write software that sifts radio telescope data for narrow signals that nature can't make, then check each candidate to rule out cell phones and satellites. So far: no aliens, but lots of cool science.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in astronomy, physics, or computer science.
Ways in: Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science.
Growing slowly. Tiny, mostly privately funded field.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI sifts radio data for signals automatically; designing searches and confirming candidates stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Computer Science, AP Calculus, Astronomy.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.