One invited speaker, two guest speakers, or a panel, with time for questions and open discussion.
Community · Career conversations
Monthly Astro Career Talk Series
Supported by the University of Cambridge's Enhancing Research Culture Funding.
For researchers in astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. Open to all.
About the series
Career stories from astronomy and beyond.
Monthly Astro Career Talk is a space for honest, practical conversations about what people do after studying astronomy, astrophysics, or cosmology.
Speakers talk about real routes into academia, industry, public engagement, research-adjacent work, and career changes, including the parts that are rarely visible in polished CVs.
Undergraduates, postgraduates, postdocs, and anyone curious about astro-related careers.
Usually hosted at the Battcock Centre for Experimental Astrophysics.
Next event and planned speakers
Upcoming events
Upcoming
The next session is being planned.
New speakers and event details will be added here when they are confirmed.
Past events
Past talks include
Discussion: Applying for jobs & working inside and outside academia
Dr. Chloe Fisher and Dr. Clémence Fontanive
Finding meaningful work in challenging times
Dr. Sarah Biddle
Discussion: The Current Tenure-Track Job Market
Dr. Matus Rynak and Dr. Doley Bashi
From Biology to Newsrooms: Communicating Science in the Age of AI
Mićo Tatalović
Astro Career Panel Discussion
Astrophysicist & Career Consultant: Dual Perspectives on Careers
Dr. Sonali Shukla
Balancing Research, Myth, and Family in Academia
Prof. Or Graur
Unpack - my career switch
Dr. Ko-Yun Huang
My Astro Career #Unfiltered
Prof. Anna McLeod
From Astrophysics & Statistics to Systematic Trading
Dr. Kamran Javid
The "Formula" for Academic Success (If One Existed)
Prof. Sandro Tacchella · Slides
Bridging Science and Society: A Physicist's Path to Public Engagement
Dr. Tana Joseph
At the Ethical Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Chandrima Ganguly
My Career Journey and the Two-Body Problem in Academia
Dr. Siddharth Gandhi
From Music Education to Astronomy
Dr. Charlotte Simmonds
UK, Germany, and NL: My Academic Journey in Astrophysics
Dr. Matus Rynak
From Cosmology PhD to Microsoft Research
Dr. Carina Negreanu
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this event series?
Guest speakers with at least one astronomy-related degree talk about their career choices and challenges. The objective is to empower the audience to reflect on their career planning or status, and facilitate open conversation on career choices within the astro community.
Who can be the guest speaker?
Anyone who holds an astronomy-related degree and is willing to talk not just about successes but also struggles and failures in their career.
Who is the audience?
Talk advertisements go to astrophysics-related mailing lists, including undergraduates. Depending on the career stage of the speaker and the topic, audience groups vary. A postdoctoral speaker talking about academia may attract undergraduate and postgraduate students; a speaker talking about leaving academia after a PhD may attract postgraduate students and postdoctoral staff.
What is the format of the talk series?
The guest speaker can choose between a presentation or interview format. Regardless of the format, there will be plenty of time and opportunities for the audience to ask questions.
Can I join the event online?
Yes. If you would like to join by Zoom, please email us in advance and we will arrange online access.
Committee
Organising Committee
| Name | Contact | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Haoyang Ye | hy297 AT cam.ac.uk | Organising committee |
| Matthew Hooton | mh2143 AT cam.ac.uk | Organising committee |
| Charlotte Simmonds | Past committee member, 2024-2025 | |
| Amanda Stoffers | Past committee member, 2024-2025 | |
| Sireesha Chamarthi | Past committee member, 2025 |
Press release and sponsor
Sponsor
Seed funded
Seed funded by the Cavendish Radio Astronomy & Cosmology Group.
Research Culture Fund
Funded by Research Culture Fund, the University of Cambridge.