ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Astronomy Assistant Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Office Assistant

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Details Open Date 08/31/2026 Requisition Number PRN17432N Job Title Office Assistant Working Title ... Yes VP Area Academic Affairs Department 00127 - Physics and Astronomy Location Campus City Salt ...

University of Utah

Office Assistant

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$9.62 - $17.31/hr

Announcement Details Open Date 08/31/2026 Requisition Number PRN17432N Job Title Office Assistant ... Yes VP Area Academic Affairs Department 00127 - Physics and Astronomy Location Campus City Salt ...

All JobsAstronomy JobsAstronomy Assistant JobsAstronomy Assistant Jobs in Utah

Astronomy Assistant information

What is an astronomy assistant?

Astronomy Assistants are professionals who support astronomers and researchers in their scientific work. They may help with data collection, telescope operation, analysis of astronomical images, and maintaining equipment. Their responsibilities often include organizing research materials, assisting with observations, and preparing reports or presentations. Astronomy Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that research projects run smoothly and efficiently in observatories, research institutions, or academic settings.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an astronomy assistant, and how do they support the research team?

As an Astronomy Assistant, your daily tasks often include organizing and maintaining observational data, preparing equipment for nighttime observations, and assisting with data analysis using specialized software. You may also help coordinate telescope schedules and ensure that logs are accurately updated. By handling these crucial logistical and technical tasks, you enable astronomers and researchers to focus on analysis and discovery, making you an essential part of the team’s scientific workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an astronomy assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Astronomy Assistant, you generally need a background in physics or astronomy, strong analytical skills, and experience with data collection and analysis. Familiarity with astronomical instruments, telescope operation, and software such as MATLAB, Python, or specialized data reduction tools is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate within research teams are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial for supporting accurate scientific research, managing complex datasets, and contributing effectively to collaborative astronomical projects.

What is the difference between Astronomy Assistant vs Astrophysics Technician?

AspectAstronomy AssistantAstrophysics Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree, some technical trainingAssociate's or bachelor's degree in physics or astronomy, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentObservatories, research facilities, educational institutionsResearch labs, observatories, university departments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research centers, planetariumsResearch institutions, government agencies, universities
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in astronomyTechnical support roles in astrophysics research

While both roles support astronomical research, an Astronomy Assistant typically performs administrative and observational support tasks, often requiring less formal education. An Astrophysics Technician usually has more technical training and handles specialized equipment and data analysis. Both roles are vital in the astronomy field but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What jobs can you get with an associate in astronomy?

An associate degree in astronomy can qualify individuals for entry-level roles such as astronomy technician, observatory assistant, or research aide. These positions often involve data collection, equipment maintenance, and supporting research projects, and may require familiarity with telescopes, data analysis software, and basic scientific principles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Astronomy jobs in Utah?

The most popular types of Astronomy jobs in Utah are:

What job categories do people searching Astronomy Assistant jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Astronomy Assistant jobs in Utah are:

What cities in Utah are hiring for Astronomy Assistant jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Astronomy Assistant job openings:

Astronomy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astronomy Assistant job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Professor (Lecturer) for Physics & Astronomy

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Proposed Faculty Rank Assistant Professor (Lecturer) Department 00127 - Physics and Astronomy City Salt Lake City, UT Track Non Tenure Track New Position to Begin January 1, 2027 Details
The Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Utah invites applications for a career-line (non tenure-track) faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor (Lecturer). We seek a long-term colleague who will join our talented group of faculty. The position requires a graduate degree in physics or a related area.

The candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to physics instruction that serves all students, the use of evidence-based instructional practices, and excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills. The position consists of standard teaching responsibilities equivalent to several departmental courses per year. The majority of these responsibilities will support the department's core instructional mission through introductory and core physics courses, with opportunities potentially available to teach and/or develop other courses, such as primarily online, lab-based, or upper level courses. In addition, most career-line faculty actively participate in committees that promote student success, improved faculty teaching techniques, curriculum reform, and TA mentoring and coordination.

In this position, the successful candidate can take advantage of positive trends and opportunities to meet their professional goals. The University of Utah has experienced steady enrollment growth in recent years, drawing students from a broader geographic area. The Department of Physics & Astronomy has recently moved into a new, state-of-the-art building with modern teaching and research facilities. Membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU) solidifies the University's status as a top-tier research-intensive institution with a strong focus on student success.

Details: This salaried (exempt) appointment within the career-line track does not include the possibility of tenure, but is expected to be a long-term appointment that is otherwise similar to tenure track appointments with various ranks (assistant, associate, and full professor), the eligibility to apply for external funding, service on committees (including in leadership roles), and participation in departmental governance. The initial appointment is envisioned to start as early as the Spring 2027 semester, preferably somewhat earlier to allow for ample preparation, will be for three years, and is expected to be renewed thereafter. 

Application process and timeline: Please provide (i) a cover letter describing your interest in this particular opportunity; (ii) your complete academic curriculum vitae; and (iii) a statement describing your educational philosophy and experience, and your plans for implementing evidence-based instruction that serves all students and supports the achievement of their educational goals. Please also provide contact information for three (3) professional references and arrange for the reference letters to be submitted by November 1, 2026.

The review of applications will commence on September 14, 2026. Please apply by November 1, 2026 for priority review, though we will be accepting applications until the position is filled. If you have questions about this search, please direct them to the chair of the search committee, Prof. Daniel Wik (wik@astro.utah.edu).

Located in metropolitan Salt Lake City, a vibrant metropolitan area in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains with a multicultural population, and numerous cultural and family-oriented activities, the University of Utah is the state's flagship research institution and emphasizes exceptional scholarship, quality teaching, and professional service. The university serves over 32,000 students from across the U.S. and the world with over 72 major subjects at the undergraduate level and more than 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, including law, dentistry, and medicine. Known for its proximity to exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, such as world-class skiing, hiking, biking, camping, climbing, and breathtaking national and state parks, and for a diverse and growing economy, the University of Utah encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty, and business leaders.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, and faculty from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and employment opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. All individuals, including those from historically underrepresented groups such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities, and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

Notice

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Special Instructions for Candidates Open Date 08/07/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Requisition Number PRN01557CF Type Faculty

What University Of Utah employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Utah logo

About University of Utah

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

View All University of Utah Jobs

Apply