Staff Astronomer I
Application Deadline: 14 August 2026
Department: Observing Support
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: W.M. Keck Headquarters
Reporting To: Jim Lyke
Compensation: $83,686 - $100,374 / year
Description
At W. M. 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 exceptional scientific capabilities to astronomers from around the world.
This position combines hands-on telescope and instrument support, scientific software and data analysis, instrumentation development, and independent research-creating a unique opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge astronomy while advancing your own scientific interests.
The Staff Astronomer I supports visiting astronomers before, during, and after their observing runs while collaborating with engineers and technical staff to maintain, improve, and develop Keck''s world-class instrumentation. The successful candidate will conduct astronomy-related research and contribute to scientific publications while helping ensure the Observatory continues to deliver transformational science. Approximately 20% of work time is dedicated to professional research activities.
Our Mission & Values
At Keck Observatory, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing scientific discovery while honoring our responsibility to people, place, and community.
We are guided by core values rooted in:
- Stewardship - We care for our people, facilities, environment, and community with integrity and long-term responsibility.
- Service - We prioritize collective impact, supporting one another, the global astronomy community, and our local Hawaii community to achieve shared goals.
- Collaboration & Inclusion - We work across disciplines and perspectives to solve complex challenges and advance discovery together.
- Excellence & Safety - We deliver high-quality work while maintaining a strong commitment to operational excellence and safety in everything we do.
WHY CHOOSE W. M. KECK OBSERVTORY
- Competitive starting salary ranging from $83,686 to $125,408 annually.
- Generous benefits package, including four (4) weeks of annual paid vacation.
- A robust 8% 403(b) employer contribution (with a 4% employee contribution)
- Dependent Tuition Assistance.
- Comprehensive, fully-paid employee health insurance.
- Join a dedicated team working on the frontiers of astronomy.
Key Responsibilities
Support of Visiting Astronomers (Observers)
- Instruct observers in the use of WMKO's instruments and telescopes
- Provide pre- and post-observing inquiries and support (both onsite and at remote mainland sites).
- Offer afternoon and night-time support for observers during their runs.
Instrumentation Maintenance and Development
- Maintain, calibrate, and develop scientific instruments and related software.
- Provide night-time engineering support.
- Collaborate with engineers and technicians to maintain, repair, and improve instruments.
Instrument Scientist (when assigned) Responsibilities
- Lead the care of that instrument or capability.
- Take primary responsibility for the instrument, ensuring its proper function and performance.
Contributions to New Instrumentation and Upgrades
- Participate in the development of new instruments or capabilities, including adaptive optics.
- Contribute to major upgrades of existing instruments
Data Reduction Support
- Contribute to the development, maintenance, and support of data reduction packages.
Research
- Conduct scientific research related to field of expertise or interest with the expectation that the research will lead to published technical and peer-reviewed papers. Collaboration with colleagues is encouraged.
- This position allocates 20% of work time specifically for research activities.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or equivalent degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering; relevant professional experience may be substituted for a degree.
Experience
- Interest and/or experience with scientific instrumentation
- With astronomical observing and/or working at an astronomical observatory.
Skills
- Ability to prioritize tasks, plan activities, and meet deadlines
- Microsoft Office Proficiency.
- Ability to effectively deliver impactful presentations to a technical and non-technical audience.
Technical Competencies
- Ability to interpret complex data, solve problems, and make predictions based on empirical evidence.
- Proficiency in programming languages for data analysis and simulations (e.g., Python, C/C++, IDL, R, Bash/Shell scripting).
- Ability to create or use data processing pipelines to handle large volumes of data, including calibration, cleaning, and extraction of useful information.
- Knowledge of cloud computing and data storage solutions to manage large datasets.
- Ability to write scientific papers and produce technical documentation.