50 Absurdly Weird Jobs in Science Fiction You Never Knew Existed

In David Brin's "Uplift Universe" series, "Uplift Specialists" guide the genetic and cognitive development of species to grant them intelligence and uplift them into civilization. These specialists navigate the ethical and practical complexities of transforming non-sentient species into sapient beings, contributing to the intricate ecology of the series' universe.

In "The Quantum Thief" by Hannu Rajaniemi, "Quantum Pickpockets" manipulate the fabric of spacetime to steal information and objects from alternate universes, showcasing a unique blend of espionage and quantum mechanics. Jean de Flambeur from The Quantum Thief is a Gentleman Thief of the Transhuman Age and is used to stealing things like time, minds, or planets, but he still compulsively pickpockets people around him to stay in shape.

In Nnedi Okorafor's "Binti" series, "Harmonizers" play a crucial role in interstellar diplomacy and communication. These individuals possess a unique ability to bridge the gaps between diverse species by using music, language, and empathy to forge connections. By understanding the intricate cultural nuances and emotional resonances of different species, Harmonizers navigate complex negotiations, prevent conflicts, and facilitate peaceful interactions in a universe marked by interstellar diversity.

In Octavia Butler's book "Parable of the Sower," "Earthseed Teachers" are people who adhere to and spread the doctrines of the fictional religion that Lauren Olamina founded called Earthseed. Earthseed emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and the idea that "God is change." Earthseed Teachers spread the tenets of this new faith, encouraging others to embrace adaptability, growth, and the acceptance of change as fundamental aspects of existence.

In Douglas Adams's "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the "Vogon Poets" are a humorous and infamous group known for creating poetry that is considered among the worst in the universe. Vogon poetry is characterized by its excruciatingly bad and nonsensical content, often described as a form of torture. The concept of Vogon Poets adds a satirical element to the story, poking fun at the subjective nature of art and the often perplexing world of poetry.

In the TV series "Red Dwarf," Arnold Rimmer starts as a "Hologram Manager" before becoming one of the main characters. Rimmer, initially a living crew member, dies in a radiation leak accident. However, his memory and personality are stored in holographic form, allowing him to continue "living" as a hologram aboard the spaceship Red Dwarf.

In the immersive world of "Fallout: New Vegas," the "Rocketeers" stand out as a fascinating and enigmatic group within the "Boomers" faction. Located at Nellis Air Force Base, the Boomers are a tight-knit community with a unique obsession: resurrecting and launching antiquated rockets that once symbolized the dreams and ambitions of a bygone era. They meticulously repair and refurbish the long-forgotten rockets. While outsiders may view the Rocketeers' endeavors as whimsical or even absurd, the rockets' launches are profound acts of self-expression and defiance.

Within the intricate universe of "Mage: The Ascension" role-playing videogame, the "Void Engineers" form a distinct faction of mages devoted to exploring the cosmic frontiers that extend beyond Earth's boundaries. They bravely travel through the astral realms, parallel dimensions, and uncharted reaches of space while using a combination of science and magic as fuel. These engineers navigate the mysterious realm of the Umbra to maintain the stability of reality.

BrainPal Technicians are a concept mentioned in John Scalzi's "Old Man's War" series. In the series, "BrainPal" is a neural implant that enhances the abilities of soldiers and allows for direct communication, information processing, and control over certain functions. BrainPal Technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting these neural implants, playing a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of soldiers in their battles against various alien species.

In the video game "Mass Effect 2," the character "Kenneth Donnelly" holds the intriguing title of "Core Breach Ejection Specialist." He is tasked with handling critical emergencies involving the spacecraft's core, which houses essential components like reactors and energy sources. Donnelly's expertise lies in preventing catastrophic meltdowns and, in dire situations, safely ejecting the core to avert disaster.