1

Astronomy Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

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 job categories do people searching Astronomy Assistant jobs in Renton, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Astronomy Assistant jobs in Renton, WA are:

Infographic showing various Astronomy Assistant job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Professor in Physics - Physical Sciences

Bothell, WA • On-site


University of Washington
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 627 rated colleges and universities

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$103 - $108/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Assistant Professor in Physics – Physical Sciences Position Overview

Organization: Physical Sciences

Title: Assistant Professor in Physics – Physical Sciences

Position Description

The Physical Sciences Department of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) at the University of Washington Bothell (UWB) invites applications for a tenure track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Physics, with an anticipated start date of September 16, 2027. We seek applicants who demonstrate commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service in a diverse and inclusive academic community. The successful candidate will join our faculty on a full-time basis for a nine-month academic appointment (3-year term, renewable) beginning September 16, 2027.

The base salary range for this position will be $11,444-$12,046 per month during the nine-month academic year ($102,996-$108,414 annually), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

The successful candidate will be expected to provide highly effective teaching employing active and engaged teaching methods and technologies to promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to teach across the undergraduate physics curriculum, develop new courses related to their area of expertise, and to effectively mentor undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and a broad range of experiences.

The successful candidate will be expected to actively seek extramural funding to develop and sustain a productive research program that meaningfully engages undergraduate students. Candidates should be able to provide our students with research opportunities, which could involve a blend of both in-house efforts and external collaborations. Candidates will be considered across a broad range of research and teaching interests, with particular emphasis on experimental or applied physics. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
  • Biophysics
  • Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics
  • Applied Physics

The Physics program is part of the Physical Sciences Department, which includes the Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Earth Science degree programs. The Physics program includes five full-time faculty, three in the tenure track, and two in the teaching track. Current faculty maintain active research programs in astrophysics, astronomy, and physics education.

The School of STEM is the largest school at UW Bothell, and we are a school committed to attracting faculty and staff who create an exceptional student experience in support of our core values of Collaboration, Opportunities, Responsibility, and Engagement. Our faculty members are dynamic educators who engage in innovative, evidence-based pedagogies. We offer seventeen degrees (fourteen undergraduate, three graduate), eleven minors, and two graduate certificates across four Departments (Biological Sciences, Computing and Software Systems, Engineering & Mathematics, Physical Sciences). The school is housed in several buildings on a vibrant campus collocated on a restored 100-acre wetland with an active salmon stream, including the 74,000 square-foot Discovery Hall teaching and laboratory facility, and our new 80,000 square-foot STEM building, Innovation Hall – the first shared academic building between a community college and university in the country.

Located in the heart of the Puget Sound region, the University of Washington Bothell is one of the most dynamic public universities in the state of Washington. UW Bothell is a student-centered campus known for engaging students through classes, team projects, and research in which students connect what they learn or create in the classroom with the broader community. This is achieved through close relationships with faculty members as teachers and mentors, and staff dedicated to student success. The academic work of the campus focuses on cross-disciplinary research, connected learning, and community engagement, and prepares students for leadership in the state of Washington and beyond.

The campus offers more than 55 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in five schools. Current UW Bothell enrollment is over 6,000 students. More than 90% of undergraduates are from Washington State, and approximately 40% are first-generation college attendees. The priorities of the University’s current Strategic Plan – “Expanding Access, Achieving Excellence”, are to enhance community and campus engagement, and advance cross disciplinary teaching and scholarship. In addition to award winning faculty and staff, UW Bothell has been recognized for innovations in academic programming and support services designed to help students graduate on time and debt-free. It has also earned both recognition and awards for its work in the area of environmental sustainability and is just one of twelve institutions selected to join the launch cohort of the Postsecondary Data for Action Network (PDAN), a new national initiative co-led by the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) and the Association for Institutional Research (AIR). This selection places UW Bothell among a small group of colleges and universities collectively committed to using data in smarter, more student-centered ways.

All University of Washington faculty are expected to engage in teaching, research, and service.

Qualifications

Applicants for this position must meet the following minimum qualifications:

  • PhD in physics or related field, or foreign equivalent, required by time of appointment.
  • In exceptional circumstances, candidates in the final stages of their terminal degree (pending conferral) may be selected and appointed on an acting basis. When the degree is conferred, the title changes to an assistant professorial appointment in the corresponding track. Doctoral degree must be completed within 2 years.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

Benefits Information

The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information .

Privacy Notice

Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW’s Privacy Policy.

Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

The University of Washington is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

For help signing up, accessing your account, or submitting your application, please check out Interfolio's help and support section or get in touch via email at help@interfolio.com or phone at (877)997-8807.

Title IX Notice

The University of Washington does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination and sex-based harassment in its education programs and activities, including in admission and employment. Refer to the UW policies page on the Title IX website to review (1) the University’s policies prohibiting sex- and gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination and (2) the related procedures for addressing complaints.

To report information or make a complaint about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, submit an online Title IX report or email or call the Office of the Title IX Coordinator.

Office of the Title IX Coordinator

Valery Richardson, Title IX Coordinator
4311 11th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98105
206-221-7932
TitleIX@uw.edu

#J-18808-Ljbffr


What University Of Washington School Of Medicine employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom