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How much do astrochemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for astrochemistry in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Astrochemistry job?

An astrochemistry job involves studying the chemical composition and reactions of molecules in space, including those in interstellar clouds, planetary atmospheres, and comets. Astrochemists use laboratory experiments, telescopes, and computer models to analyze how these molecules form and evolve in different cosmic environments. This research helps scientists understand the origins of stars, planets, and even the building blocks of life. Careers in astrochemistry are typically found in academia, government agencies like NASA, and research institutions.

Are astrochemists in demand?

Astrochemists are in moderate demand within academia, research institutions, and space agencies, especially as interest in space exploration and understanding cosmic phenomena grows. Employment opportunities often require advanced degrees and specialized skills in spectroscopy, laboratory analysis, and computational modeling.

What careers are in Astrochemistry?

Careers in astrochemistry include research scientist roles at universities, government agencies, and research institutions, focusing on studying chemical processes in space. Professionals often work as astrophysicists, chemists, or planetary scientists, utilizing tools like spectroscopy and telescopes. Advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. are typically required for research positions in this field.

What kinds of research projects and daily tasks are typical for an astrochemist?

Astrochemists are frequently involved in both laboratory-based experiments and theoretical modeling to study the chemical interactions occurring in various space environments, such as interstellar clouds or planetary atmospheres. Daily tasks can include analyzing astronomical observation data, synthesizing and characterizing molecules relevant to space chemistry, using spectroscopic equipment, and collaborating with astrophysicists and planetary scientists. Teamwork is common, as research projects often require input from multiple disciplines and may involve working closely with international collaborators or attending scientific conferences. The role offers a dynamic mix of experimental, computational, and collaborative work that keeps each day interesting and impactful.

Is astrophysics a high paying job?

Astrophysics is generally considered a specialized scientific field with moderate to high earning potential, especially for those with advanced degrees and research experience. Salaries vary based on employment sector, location, and level of expertise, with academic and research positions typically earning less than industry or government roles. Overall, astrophysicists with strong skills in data analysis and computational tools can achieve competitive salaries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Astrochemistry position, and why are they important?

To thrive in astrochemistry, a strong background in chemistry, physics, and mathematics—typically evidenced by an advanced degree in a relevant field—is essential. Expertise in laboratory analytical techniques, spectroscopic tools, and computational modeling software is commonly required, along with familiarity with astronomical instrumentation. Critical thinking, collaboration, and effective written and verbal communication skills help professionals excel in interdisciplinary and often international research teams. These capabilities are vital for advancing knowledge about the chemical processes in space and contributing meaningful insights to both chemistry and astronomy.

What is the difference between an astrophysicist and an astrochemist?

An astrophysicist studies the physical properties and processes of celestial objects and phenomena, often focusing on physics and astronomy. An astrochemist specializes in the chemical composition and reactions occurring in space, such as in interstellar clouds and planetary atmospheres, using techniques like spectroscopy and laboratory simulations.
More about Astrochemistry jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Astrochemistry jobs? The most popular types of Astrochemistry jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Astrochemistry jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Astrochemistry jobs are:
Astrochemistry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astrochemistry job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Requisition Number:

72221

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

16-Jun-2026

Date Posted:

02-Jun-2026
Close All
Job Summary

The proposed work is within the Faint Photonics group in the Applied Physics Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, CO, USA.  Primary duties consist of analyzing and improving the performance of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) specifically at mid-infrared wavelengths, and developing arrays of such detectors for single-photon mid-infrared spectroscopy.  This task involves both nanofabrication in a specialized "cleanroom" facility, as well as device testing and characterization in an optics setup, and installation of detectors arrays in a custom-built cryogenic spectroscopy system.  The candidate for this project will also be supporting an international collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Goettingen, Germany, and the University of Aarhus in Denmark, where these cryogenic spectroscopy systems will be used for laboratory experiments in astrophysics and astrochemistry.

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award.  The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas.  Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder.  PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists.

The particular group that needs a researcher is the Faint Photonics Group at NIST.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
  • Design and fabricate new SNSPD architectures to achieve high efficiency in the 2-10 m (mid-infrared) wavelength band.
  • Test SNSPD devices using cryogenic systems and contribute to maintenance and operation of those systems.
  • Contribute to international collaboration with groups in Germany and Denmark.
  • Develop optical testing setups for measuring system detection efficiency at mid-infrared wavelengths.
  • Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Present results at conferences.
What You Should Know

This position requires the successful completion of an NAIS agreement and federal security clearance as mandated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).  Employment is contingent upon approval of these requirements as determined by NIST.

  • Anticipated start date is September 15, 2026.
  • Anticipated end date is March 31, 2028 (end of grant, however, may continue further if receive new grant).

Privacy Act Statement

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. 272(b) and (c)

Purpose: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.

PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics.  This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.

Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements.  Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary.  When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.

What We Can Offer
  • The salary range for the full-time Postdoctoral Associate position is $74,000 - $108,000 annually.
  • The salary range for the full-time Research Associate position is $78,000 - $135,000 annually.
Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require
  • Postdoctoral Associate:  PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field with 0 - 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
  • Research Associate:  PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • No additional experience beyond a Ph.D. degree is required.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Expertise in one or more of the following is desired:
    • SNSPD design, fabrication and testing.
    • Design and operation of cryogenic systems.
    • Vacuum and high-vacuum systems.
    • RF electronics and circuit design.
    • CAD/CAM software such as Solidworks.
    • Programming using Python and/or Labview.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
  1. Resume or CV
  2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor.  If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
 
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference.  We will request the letter of recommendation immediately following your application. 
 
Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until June 16, 2026.
 
Note:  Application materials will not be accepted via email.  For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

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