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Observatory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

W. M. Keck Observatory

Staff Astronomer I

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$83K - $100K/yr

Keck Observatory, we enable groundbreaking discoveries that expand humanity's understanding of the universe. We are seeking a Staff Astronomer I to join our Observing Support team and help deliver ...

W. M. Keck Observatory

Staff Astronomer I

Waimea, HI · On-site

$83K - $125K/yr

Keck Observatory, we enable groundbreaking discoveries that expand humanity's understanding of the universe. We are seeking a Staff Astronomer I to join our Observing Support team and help deliver ...

W. M. Keck Observatory

Staff Astronomer I

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$83K - $100K/yr

Keck Observatory, we enable groundbreaking discoveries that expand humanity's understanding of the universe. We are seeking a Staff Astronomer I to join our Observing Support team and help deliver ...

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How much do observatory jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for observatory in the United States is $14.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an observatory?

An observatory is a facility or location equipped with instruments for observing astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena. Most often, observatories are associated with telescopes used to study stars, planets, and other objects in space. Some observatories also monitor Earth's atmosphere, weather, or seismic activity. They can be ground-based or space-based and play an essential role in scientific research and discovery.

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

To thrive as an Observatory Technician, you need a background in physics, astronomy, or engineering, along with hands-on experience in instrumentation and observatory operations. Familiarity with telescope control systems, data acquisition software, and possibly certifications in electronics or optics is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with scientists and ensuring optimal equipment performance. These skills are crucial to maintaining precise observations, supporting research activities, and ensuring the efficient functioning of observatory facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at an observatory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals at observatories often face challenges such as working irregular hours due to nighttime observations, maintaining complex equipment in remote locations, and adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions that can affect data collection. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as observatory staff often collaborate with researchers, engineers, and support personnel. Addressing these challenges typically involves strong organizational skills, ongoing technical training, and flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations, ensuring both the safety and success of observational projects.

What is the difference between Observatory vs Data Analyst?

AspectObservatoryData Analyst
Required credentialsTypically requires a background in science, research, or data managementRequires a degree in statistics, mathematics, or related fields
Work environmentResearch institutions, government agencies, or academic settingsCorporate, consulting firms, or research organizations
Employer and industry usageUsed for monitoring, data collection, and reporting in scientific or policy contextsUsed for analyzing data, generating reports, and supporting decision-making

While both roles involve working with data, an Observatory primarily focuses on data collection, monitoring, and reporting in scientific or research settings. A Data Analyst, on the other hand, specializes in analyzing data to extract insights and support business or organizational decisions. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in data-driven industries.

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Observatory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Observatory job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,963 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory

Tucson, AZ • On-site

University of Arizona
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Arizonaexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Steward Observatory
Posting Number
req26187
Department
Steward Observatory
Department Website Link
https://astro.arizona.edu
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The University of Arizona (UA) Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory (SO) are excited to invite applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates interested in research related to high-contrast imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanets and substellar companions.
As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Brittany Miles, as well as with staff and engineers from the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). You will be encouraged to integrate into the lab and Steward Observatory to support a supportive scholarly environment in research, mentoring, and service. Your research will focus on the integration and commissioning of the first-ever, coronagraphic, adaptive optics-assisted, long-wavelength infrared IFU.
Throughout your postdoctoral journey with us, you will be encouraged to conduct your own independent research, as time permits, and will be able to apply for time on any Steward facility directly as a PI. You will be expected to lead high-profile, independent research in exoplanet and brown dwarf atmospheres, as well as collaborate with SO faculty and scholars in the Department of Astronomy.
UA/SO offers a world-class research environment in space science and astrophysics, with strong interdisciplinary programs across the Departments of Astronomy, Physics, Optical Sciences, and Planetary Sciences. We provide direct access to various world-class observational and computational facilities for ground-based radio and optical observing.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A 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
  • Develop and lead an independent research agenda centered on thermal IR instrumentation and the characterization of planetary atmospheres.
  • Disseminate work through publications and presentations.
  • Contribute to public engagement opportunities.
  • Develop and implement research initiatives, collaborations, publications, and/or events (e.g., talks, workshops, visitor programs, etc.) as needed and relevant to the research agendas.
  • Collaborate with faculty and scholars in support of an inclusive academic environment (including organizing collaborative meetings and supervising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students).
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Must have completed all the requirements for aPhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or a related science at the time ofhire.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Candidates with a PhD in astronomy/astrophysics are preferred.
  • Research experience relevant to one or more of the following scientific areas is desirable: operating and testing astronomical instruments, infrared observations, and data reduction.

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
1
Target Hire Date
7/20/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Brittany Miles, PhD
Assistant Professor
Assistant Astronomer
bemiles@arizona.edu
Open Date
6/4/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Three Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant
Along with your application, CV, and cover letter, please include:
  1. Research statement (limit: 5 pages)
  2. List of publications
  3. Names and email address of references (minimum of 3)
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety 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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