Astronomy Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position title: Junior/Assistant Specialist

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table for the current scale for this position T24B A reasonable full-time salary estimate for this position is $57,000-69,400.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Fall 2026

Position duration: The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of an extension based on performance and the availability of funding.

Application Window Open date: August 17, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Sep 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Weisz's research group is located in the Astronomy Department at UC Berkeley. The group consists of research staff, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students broadly studying the stellar populations of nearby galaxies with a variety of cutting edge facilities (e.g., HST, JWST, Keck). The group interfaces with various research programs at Berkeley (e.g., DESI, UVEX) and works closely with simulators and theorists to interpret results.

Under the supervision of Professor Daniel Weisz, the Jr./Asst. Specialist will support observational astronomy research related to measuring distances to nearby galaxies. Duties will include organizing and processing telescope imaging data, performing basic photometric and quality-control analyses, and maintaining clear documentation of data products and analysis procedures. They will also assist with comparing ground- and space-based observations, identifying potential data-quality issues, and preparing figures or summaries for research meetings. The position will also receive training in scientific computing, data management, and responsible research practices.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application): Bachelor's Degree or equivalent international degree

Preferred qualifications: Undergraduate degree (e.g., BS, BA or equivalent) in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics. Experience with observations and modeling of stars or stellar populations. Experience with developing open source stellar model packages in python. Experience with time series data analysis such as pulsating stars or microlensing events. Familiarity with observations of stellar spectroscopy

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements: 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05491

Help contact: emartinez24@berkeley.edu

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As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

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• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
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Berkeley, CA