In field of exobiology entails many different disciplines. Physicists, biologists, and chemists are just a few of the types of occupations which have a place in exobiology. Indeed, exobiology is one of the most inter-disciplinary fields in the realm of science. With so many different types of jobs, exobiology is a fascinating field to work in, and because it is relatively new, it will be thriving for a long time to come. LetŐs look at some of the occupations in exobiology, and see if any of them interest you.

Biologist

A biologist is someone who studies life. This is a pretty broad topic, so there are molecular biologists, microbiologists, bioengineers, biochemists, and numerous others. Each specializes in one area, but usually works with people who do not have the same job as themselves. For example, a molecular biologist studies biology at the molecular level. This includes studying enzymes and catalysts which are important to life as we know it. However, molecular biologists donŐt work all by themselves. A molecular biologist might be involved in creating a new drug for the treatment of prevention for some disease, and so would be working with chemists in the creation and manufacturing of a drug, as well as working with lawyers who need to provide the legal skills to put a new drug out on the market.

Chemist

A chemist is someone who studies chemicals and their reactions. Most chemists work in laboratories. Work in the laboratory often includes determining the compostion of materials. This is very important in exobiology. Chemists in exobiology have studied meteorites which have fallen to the earth. In studying these samples, chemists are looking for clues to what the atmospheres and environements on other planets may have been. They also are looking for amino acids, especially homochiral amino acids, which would be a very good indicator of life elsewhere in the universe. Aside from exobiology, chemists are involved in most areas of the economy. Whenever a product is manufactured, chemists are involved to create the products composition, and to see if it is safe for the public.

Physicist

Physicists are people who work with the mechanics of nature. There are many types of physicists, such as astrophysicists and electrophysicists. An example of a job an astrophysicist might perform is the designing and testing of the space shuttle or satellites. An electrophysicist might develop a radar or work in electronics. In exobiology, physicists have been busy determing the energy released when a bolide collides with the earth. Physicists often spend time designing things for practical use, and usually spend their time in the laboratory testing their ideas.

Public Relations Representative

Often times, companies need people in Washington to lobby for funds and grants to conduct research. These politicians spend a lot of time travelling to different places, making presentations to possible benefactors. In exobiology, SETI does this to receive funds from private parties, since its funding has been cut by NASA. Another example of a politician is a public relations representative, or PR. A PR representative is usually a lawyer who is used to speak on behalf of a company. These people speak at press conferences when discoveries have been made, or when announcements are made to televisions news stations and the general public. A PR often has a degree in the particular field of science of the company that they are working for, but also have to have considerable communication and public speaking skills, in order to convince benefactors to donate money.

Oceanographer

Oceanographers are also important in the filed of exobiology. Oceanographers are scientists who study the ocean and the organisms in the ocean. Jobs which they often perform are doing testing on the compostion of the ocean in particular areas, and the effects that the environment have on the organisms in it. In exobiology, oceanographers study deep sea hydrothermal vents and the environment surrounding them. Testing is done on the chemical composition of the water, to see if, and how, organisms are able to survive. Often, oceanographers work closely with marine biologists and chemists when conducting research.

Astronomer

When the planets and their moons are being observed to determine if life might be possible on them, it is an astronomer who is looking through the telescope. Astronomers search the skies for many things. Some search for other solar systems, some look or comets and meteorites, and some are busy making observations in our own solar system. Astronomers in exobiology are currently looking at the moons of other planets in our solar system, such as Titan and Europa, to determine if life was ever possible on them. They do this by examining both the atmosphere and the surface to see if organic compounds and liquid water were ever able to exist.

These are just some of the jobs which are a part of the field of exobiology. If you think you might be interested in any of these occupations, click on these organizations to find out more about them.

Hot links to NASA, NSCORT, SIO, Hughes Aircraft Company, Amgen, JPL

Here is a comparison of possible starting salaries for the different occupations mentioned. (Table)

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