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ESCO occupation

cosmologist

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Cosmologists focus on the study of the universe as a whole, which is made up by its origin, evolution and ultimate fate. They use tools and scientific instruments to observe and study other galaxies and astronomical objects such as stars, black holes, planets and other celestial bodies.

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Competences
76
Groups
4
Essential
54
Optional
22

Competences and skills

76 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 14 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

6 competences
computational physics

The interdisciplinary field between physics, applied mathematics and computer science. It refers to the use of physics formulas and numerical algorithms to make computations at a large scale.

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quantum computing

The branch of computer science that follows the principles of quantum theory. It uses subatomic particles which are allowed to exist under more than one state thanks to quantum bits, or qubits.

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quantum mechanics

The field of research concerning the study of atoms and photons in order to quantize these particles.

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quantum optics

The field of physics combining quantum field theory and physical optics.

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quantum technology

The technology that works through principles of quantum mechanics such as quantum entanglement and quantum superposition.

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supercomputing

The process of dealing with complex data-related problems through multiple computers working in parallel (i.e., a supercomputer). It is used in several fields such as quantum mechanics, molecular modeling, aerodynamics and nuclear fusion research.

digital
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Cross-sector

8 competences
aerospace engineering

The engineering discipline that combines various technologies and engineering disciplines such as avionics, materials science and aerodynamics in order to design, develop and manufacture aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and satillites.

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astronomy

The field of science that studies the physics, chemistry, and evolution of celestial objects such as stars, comets, and moons. It also examines phenomena that happen outside Earth's atmosphere such as solar storms, cosmic microwave background radiation, and gamma ray bursts.

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mathematical modelling

The process of establishing a mathematical representation problem, such as equations, of a real-word to provide insights, discover new features about the problematic scenario, better understand the original problem or to make predictions about it.

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mathematics

Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

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physics

The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.

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scientific literature

The medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of scientific research in various fields and at any point in time.

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scientific research methodology

The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

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statistics

The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

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Essential skills and competences 40 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
define celestial bodies

Analyse data and images to calculate the size, shape, brightness, and motion of celestial bodies.

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manage intellectual property rights

Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.

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observe celestial objects

Study the relative positions and movements of stars and planets, by using and interpreting data provided by specialised software and publications such as ephemeris.

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operate open source software

Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.

digitalresearch
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Cross-sector

36 competences
analyse scientific data

Collect and analyse scientific data resulting from research. Interpret these data according to certain standards and viewpoints in order to comment on it.

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analyse telescope images

Examine images taken by telescopes in order to study phenomena and objects outside Earth's atmosphere.

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apply for research funding

Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.

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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities

Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

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apply scientific methods

Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

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carry out scientific research in observatory

Perform research in a building equipped for the observation of natural phenomena, especially in relation to celestial bodies.

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communicate with a non-scientific audience

Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of methods for different target groups, including visual presentations.

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conduct research across disciplines

Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.

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demonstrate disciplinary expertise

Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.

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design scientific equipment

Design new equipment or adapt existing equipment to aid scientists in gathering and analysing data and samples.

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develop professional network with researchers and scientists

Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.

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disseminate results to the scientific community

Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.

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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation

Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.

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evaluate research activities

Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.

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gather experimental data

Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

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increase the impact of science on policy and society

Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.

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integrate gender dimension in research

Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).

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interact professionally in research and professional environments

Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.

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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data

Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.

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manage open publications

Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.

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manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

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manage research data

Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.

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mentor individuals

Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.

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operate scientific measuring equipment

Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

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operate telescopes

Set up and adjust telescopes in order to look at phenomena and objects outside Earth's atmosphere.

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perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

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perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

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promote open innovation in research

Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.

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promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities

Engage citizens in scientific and research activities and promote their contribution in terms of knowledge, time or resources invested.

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promote the transfer of knowledge

Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.

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publish academic research

Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.

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speak different languages

Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

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synthesise information

Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.

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think abstractly

Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.

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write scientific publications

Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

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write work-related reports

Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.

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Optional knowledge 12 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
geostationary satellites

The functioning and purpose of geostationary satellites, their movement in the same direction as rotation of the Earth, and their application for telecommunication and commercial purposes.

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mathematical physics

The interdisciplinary field between mathematics and physics that deals with the mathematical foundations of theoretical physics. It addresses issues in quantum mechanics and atomic and molecular physics.

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types of satellites

The different types of satellites used for communications, streaming services, surveillance, and scientific research.

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Cross-sector

9 competences
acoustics

The study of sound, its reflection, amplification and absorption in a space.

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aeronomy

Branch of atmospheric physics dealing with the parts of the atmosphere where reactions of ionization and dissociation are predominant, and with the atmosphere of other planets.

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computer simulation

A programme run on a computer that represents dynamic responses of a system to explore a mathematical model behaviour, using a model of a real system, composed of mathematical equations.

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data science

The field of study that deals with big amount of data using AI techniques such as machine learning algorithms to predict patterns and obtain useful information to make business decisions

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geophysics

The scientific field that deals with the physical processes and properties of, and spatial environment surrounding Earth. Geophysics also deals with the quantitative analysis of phenomena such as magnetic fields, the internal structure of Earth, and its hydrological cycle.

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image recognition

A process designed to detect and identify a feature or object in an image or video. This process is used in medical imaging, security surveillance or defect detection, among other fields. Key technique for a wide range of applications such as automated driving, image classification, or visual inspection.

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optics

The science that studies the elements and reaction of light.

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optoelectronics

Branch of electronics and optics dedicated to the study and use of electronic devices that detect and control light.

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types of optical instruments

Common types of optical instruments and lenses, such as microscopes and telescopes, their mechanics, components, and characteristics.

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Optional skills and competences 10 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
develop scientific theories

Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.

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perform lectures

Present lectures to various groups.

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Cross-sector

8 competences
apply blended learning

Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.

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apply statistical analysis techniques

Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

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execute analytical mathematical calculations

Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

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observe matter

Study the structure and characteristics of matter in order to identify the basic principles ruling these phenomena.

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perform laboratory tests

Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

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teach astronomy

Instruct students in the theory and practice of astronomy, and more specifically in topics such as celestial bodies, gravity, and solar storms.

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teach in academic or vocational contexts

Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.

research
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write research proposals

Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.

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