Working as a space physicist in Canada

Who in his childhood has not wanted to become an astronaut? In most cases, this profession remains a dream, but becoming a space physicist or astronomer is much more realistic. Though these professions are not too common, specialists with work experience can immigrate to Canada and earn good money. According to Job Bank, Ontario has the best chance of finding employment in these professions.

Salaries of space physicists and astronomers

The salary of space physicists in Canada depends on various factors: employment requirements, qualifications, working conditions and the location of the employer. Experienced workers tend to be paid more.

In general, space physicists and astronomers earn well in Canada. According to official data, the average salary of these professionals is $88,468 Canadian dollars per year or $7,372 per month. Ontario and British Columbia earn more — $52 Canadian dollars per hour or $8,320 per month for a 40-hour work week.

Cosmophysicists and astronomers in Canada — what do they do?

According to the Canadian Occupational Handbook, cosmophysicists and astronomers in Canada perform a range of different tasks.

What duties can physicists perform:

• design and conduct research in experimental and theoretical physics;
• conduct analysis of research data and prepare research reports;
• Participate as a researcher in the design and development of experimental, industrial or medical equipment and instruments.

Physicists may specialise in areas such as aeronomy and space, acoustics, atomic and molecular physics, biophysics, condensed matter or solid state physics, electromagnetism, aerodynamics, health physics, medical physics, metrology, particle physics, optics and laser physics, nuclear physics and plasma physics.

What duties can astronomers perform:

• Design and conduct observational surveys, perform detailed analysis and develop numerical models to improve knowledge of celestial bodies and cosmic radiation;
• Design or participate in the development of instruments and software for astronomical observations and analysis.

Astronomers may specialize in areas such as astrophysics, observational or optical astronomy and radio astronomy.

Where and how cosmophysicists and astronomers work in Canada

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Physicists carry out theoretical and applied research to improve knowledge of natural phenomena and develop new processes and devices in fields such as electronics, communications, energy production and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, biotechnology, medicine and health.

They work in electronics, electrical engineering, aerospace, telecommunications, and electrical power industries. Space physicists are also hired by university and government research laboratories, hospitals, and many other manufacturing, production, research, and consulting companies.

Astronomers conduct observational and theoretical research to expand knowledge of the universe. They work in government and universities.

Examples of posts:

• astrophysicist;
• biophysicist;
• cosmologist;
• an experimental physicist;
• medical physicist;
• metrologist;
• a nuclear physicist;
• an optical physicist;
• radio astronomer;
• research scientist.

Space scientists and astronomers typically work 8 to 10 hours a day and 40 to 60 hours a week. When working on a project, they may work overtime, including weekends. On average, representatives of these professions spend 1 to 3 weeks per year on business trips.

Employment requirements

To work as a space physicist or astronomer, a higher education is required. Usually a master's or doctoral degree is required — physicists in physics, engineering physics or a related discipline, and astronomers in astronomy or a related discipline.

Please note: You need a licence to work in the cosmetology profession in Nova Scotia. The regulatory body is the Association of Cosmetologists of Nova Scotia.

In other provinces, the profession of cosmophysicist and astronomer is not licensed, but it is possible to obtain a certificate of professional physicist. It gives the specialist the opportunity to validate his or her knowledge and experience to make judgments on scientific issues in his or her field. The certificate will also increase the chances of getting a high paying job. To receive the certificate, you must be a member of the Canadian Association of Physicists, have a minimum of 3 years of experience in the field, and pass a professional exam.

How to immigrate to Canada

Many immigration programs are suitable for people with experience as a space physicist or astronomer. You can immigrate with or without an offer from a Canadian employer.

Examples of suitable programs:

• Priority Skills Stream of provincial program in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Skilled Worker Overseas Stream of Manitoba's provincial program;
• Skilled Worker Stream of Quebec's provincial program.

For more immigration programs that qualify for these occupations, see here.