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Director Astronomer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Accountant

Walnut, CA · On-site

$79K - $86K/yr

Special projects and assignments as directed by the Controller. * Comply at all times with Astrophysics' security policy including protecting confidential information, reporting any actions that ...

Customer Service Coordinator

Walnut, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

Astrophysics Inc. is a global leader in X-Ray security inspection systems, dedicated since 2002 to ... Manage daily customer service operations, receiving and directing customer inquiries by phone and ...

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State invites applicants ... Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Professor Jimmy DeLaunay at jjd330 ...

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Director Astronomer information

What does a director astronomer do?

A Director Astronomer leads and oversees research teams and observatory operations within an astronomical institution or facility. Their main duties include setting scientific goals, managing budgets, coordinating large-scale research projects, and fostering collaboration among astronomers. They also represent their organization in the scientific community, secure funding, and ensure the proper maintenance of telescopes and equipment. Additionally, Director Astronomers may contribute to public outreach and education initiatives, promoting the importance of astronomy to the broader public.

How does a director astronomer typically balance research responsibilities with administrative leadership?

A Director Astronomer often splits their time between leading their own research projects and managing the operations of an observatory or research institute. This includes overseeing budgets, setting research priorities, mentoring junior astronomers, and representing the institution in collaborations or public outreach. Balancing these roles requires strong organizational skills and the ability to delegate tasks while staying engaged with the latest scientific developments. Many Director Astronomers find that effective communication and a clear vision help them navigate these diverse responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director astronomer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Astronomer, you need an advanced degree in astronomy or astrophysics, extensive research experience, and a proven track record in scientific leadership. Familiarity with advanced telescopes, astronomical data analysis software, and grant management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication skills help in managing research teams and collaborating with international partners. These competencies are crucial for advancing astronomical research, securing funding, and guiding institutional goals.
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Infographic showing various Director Astronomer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, High-Contrast Astronomy (Multiple Positions) (updated)

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Arizona rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

384th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, High-Contrast Astronomy (Multiple Positions) (updated)
Posting Number
req23540
Department
Steward Observatory
Department Website Link
https://astro.astronomy.edu
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
Please Note: The number of openings for this position has been updated from two to three.
The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to direct imaging of exoplanets and debris disks. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work with faculty, including Ewan Douglas and others, within Steward Observatory and the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics on high-contrast imaging, debris disk science as well as the opportunity to join ongoing efforts in laboratory work demonstrating high-contrast technologies on the vacuum Space Coronagraph Optical Bench (SCoOB), coronagraphic image post-processing for existing and future space telescopes, simulation of coronagraphs for future missions including the Roman Coronagraph and future missions to image exoplanets such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory and other space telescope concepts.
UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in ground and space-based astrophysics with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Sciences, and Optical Sciences. Home to the Richard F Caris Mirror Lab, a founding member of the Giant Magellan Telescope, the Aspera Pioneer mission, and the JWST NIRCam team. Steward Observatory also provides direct access to various world-class facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing. Among these are the Large Binocular Telescope and 6.5m aperture telescopes located in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and applicants would be eligible to submit their own science proposals.
The position will provide opportunities for outreach and student engagement, including opportunities for collaborations with the TIMESTEP and Astronomy Camp programs, and applicants with an interest in outreach are encouraged to apply.
Multiple positions are expected to be available with start dates ranging from September 2025 to May 2026.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with faculty and scholars and develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and/or events as needed and relevant to research agendas.
  • Integrate into the department's scientific community and support a scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service.
  • Additional duties asassigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Must have completed the requirement of a Ph.D. upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications
  • PhD in a physical science or engineering field.
  • Experience in high-contrast imaging data reduction.
  • Experience in exoplanet and/or debris disk science.
  • Experience building, operating, or testing astronomical instruments or telescopes on the ground or in space.
  • Experience contributing to open-source software or hardware projects.
  • Experience with technical communication.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
NIH Salary Guidelines, Depends on Experience
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
3
Target Hire Date
9/8/2025
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Carli Chmara cchmara@arizona.edu
Open Date
8/6/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Two Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant
Along with your application, CV, and cover letter, please provide the following additional documents:
  • Additional Document 1: Two-page Statement of Research Experience and Interest.
  • Additional Document 2: Names and email addresses of three references.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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