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Astrophysics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrophysics Inc.

Mechanical Assembler

Walnut, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Astrophysics Inc. is a leading global designer and manufacturer of X-Ray security inspection systems. Since 2002, we have dedicated ourselves to ensuring a safer world through advanced X-Ray ...

Astrophysics Inc.

Electrical Assembler

Walnut, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Astrophysics Inc. is a leading global designer and manufacturer of X-Ray security inspection systems. Since 2002, we have dedicated ourselves to ensuring a safer world through advanced X-Ray ...

Astrophysics Inc.

Field Service Technician

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$70K/yr

Astrophysics Inc. is a global leader in X-Ray security inspection systems, dedicated since 2002 to making the world safer through advanced screening technology. Our systems protect critical ...

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How much do astrophysics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for astrophysics in the United States is $19.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers can you do with astrophysics?

Astrophysics graduates can pursue careers as research scientists, astronomers, or data analysts in government agencies, observatories, or universities. They often work with advanced tools like telescopes and computer modeling, and may need strong programming skills and a PhD for research roles.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in astrophysics?

A typical day in astrophysics often involves analyzing large data sets from telescopes or simulations, developing and running computer models, and collaborating with research teams to interpret results. You may spend time writing scientific papers, presenting your findings at meetings, or proposing new research projects. Astrophysicists also frequently attend seminars and work closely with colleagues from other institutions or disciplines. The balance between independent research and teamwork provides a dynamic environment where each day can bring new challenges and discoveries.

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

To thrive in Astrophysics, you need advanced knowledge of physics and mathematics, typically supported by a graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in astrophysics or a related field. Experience with scientific programming languages (like Python or MATLAB), data analysis tools, and familiarity with observatory or simulation software are common technical requirements. Strong analytical thinking, perseverance, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you collaborate and present complex findings. These skills are essential for conducting cutting-edge research, contributing to scientific discoveries, and advancing in an interdisciplinary research environment.

What kind of work do astrophysicists do?

Astrophysicists study the physical properties and behaviors of celestial objects and phenomena, such as stars, planets, black holes, and galaxies. They analyze data from telescopes and space missions, develop theoretical models, and often use computer simulations to understand the universe's origins and evolution.

What does an astrophysicist do?

An astrophysicist studies the physics of the universe, including stars, planets, galaxies, and cosmic phenomena. They use mathematical models and observational data from telescopes and space missions to understand how celestial objects form, evolve, and interact. Astrophysicists work in research institutions, universities, space agencies, and industries related to aerospace or data science. Their work can involve theoretical research, computational simulations, or analyzing astronomical data to explain fundamental aspects of the cosmos.

Do astrophysicists get paid a lot?

Astrophysicists' salaries vary depending on experience, education, and employment sector, with those working in academia earning typically between $60,000 and $120,000 annually. Professionals in government or private research institutions may earn higher salaries, especially with advanced degrees and specialized skills in data analysis and modeling.
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Astrophysics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astrophysics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 46% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 53% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,285 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Astrophysics Center Program Scientist [Radio Astronomy]

Schmidt Entities

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Schmidt Sciences is a nonprofit organization founded in 2024 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt that works to accelerate scientific knowledge and breakthroughs with the most promising, advanced tools to support a thriving planet. The organization prioritizes research in areas poised for impact including AI and advanced computing, astrophysics, biosciences, climate, and space-as well as supporting researchers in a variety of disciplines through its science systems program.
Summary
The Astrophysics Center at Schmidt Sciences seeks an experienced radio astronomer to join a growing team supporting the development of next-generation astronomical facilities. This role will bring deep expertise in radio astronomy to the Center, helping guide the scientific development, commissioning, and operation of major facilities within the Schmidt Observatory System while contributing to the exploration of future opportunities in the field.
The successful candidate will work closely with internal staff, external partners, and the international radio astronomy community to ensure that ambitious scientific facilities are designed, built, and operated to maximize their scientific potential. The role is well suited to an established scientist with extensive experience in radio interferometry, large survey facilities, and collaborative science programs, with a demonstrated ability to work across complex scientific, engineering, and programmatic teams in multi-institutional international collaborations.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of the Astrophysics Center at Schmidt Sciences (hereafter "the Center"), the Program Scientist will join a growing multidisciplinary team supporting the Center's observatory portfolio. The role combines scientific judgment, technical insight, and collaborative stewardship across the Center's major radio astronomy activities. Working closely with internal staff, partner institutions, and the broader scientific community, responsibilities are expected to include:
  • Provide scientific and technical expertise in radio astronomy across the Center's observatory portfolio.
  • Work closely with partner institutions throughout the design, construction, commissioning, and scientific operation of major radio astronomy facilities.
  • Evaluate scientific capabilities, technical readiness, project milestones, and commissioning activities to help ensure facilities achieve their scientific objectives.
  • Review survey strategy, operational planning, calibration approaches, data products, and software plans, providing independent scientific assessment where appropriate.
  • Coordinate scientific and technical reviews within the Center, synthesizing input from internal staff and external experts.
  • Provide scientific oversight for the Center's gifts and grants in radio astronomy, monitoring progress and identifying opportunities to maximize scientific impact.
  • Represent the Center in technical reviews, scientific meetings, workshops, and interactions with the broader radio astronomy community.
  • Build collaborative relationships with partner institutions, scientific teams, and the broader radio astronomy community.
  • Advise Center leadership on scientific priorities, emerging opportunities, and strategic decisions in radio astronomy, including contributing to the exploration of future radio astronomy facilities and concepts.

Requirements
  • Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in academia, industry, government, or private research laboratories following the Ph.D.
  • Demonstrated scientific leadership within a major radio astronomy collaboration, observatory, or survey.
  • Extensive experience with radio interferometry, including the development, commissioning, operation, or scientific exploitation of large radio arrays.
  • Broad understanding of radio astronomy instrumentation, calibration, imaging, data processing, and scientific operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively across scientific, engineering, and multidisciplinary teams in large, multi-institutional collaborations.
  • Excellent scientific judgment, communication skills, and the ability to build productive relationships with partner institutions and the broader research community.
  • Based at one of the Schmidt Sciences offices (Maryland, New York, or Virginia), with the ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Desired Additional Skills
  • Experience with the commissioning or early scientific operation of facility-class radio observatories.
  • Experience participating in scientific advisory committees, technical review panels, or governance activities for major astronomical facilities.
  • Experience working with external collaborators, partner institutions, or multi-institutional scientific teams.
  • Expertise in one or more areas enabled by modern radio astronomy, such as transient astronomy, pulsars, cosmology, exoplanets, or multi-messenger astrophysics.
  • Familiarity with large-scale radio astronomy software, calibration pipelines, or survey data products.
  • Broad scientific interests spanning multiple areas of radio astronomy and an interest in future observatory concepts.

$200,000 - $250,000 a year
This is an exempt position.
Schmidt Sciences, is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a
diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color,
religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual
orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local,
state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and
strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.

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