Responsibilities
Typically, you will be hired by a university or a specialized research organization (which may be affiliated with a university). Most of the time, you'll need to:
gather and analyze data from cameras, satellites, and other sources (if working in observational astronomy)
organize and carry out research programs aimed at answering basic issues (for example, how do galaxies form?)
If your job requires it, apply for time to observe at foreign observatories.
read current scholarly literature
place your findings in the context of the work of other scholars
write scientific papers
Submit a grant application to sponsor your study.
work with other astronomers, frequently on a global scale
Attend conferences to showcase your work.
Some postdoctoral positions may require you to take on some teaching obligations, which may include:
Students and postdoctoral researchers are trained and mentored while teaching astronomy or related courses.