Junior/Assistant Specialist - Astronomy

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley's Astronomy Department seeks a Junior/Assistant Specialist to support observational astronomy research on distances to nearby galaxies. Under Professor Daniel Weisz, you will organize and process telescope imaging data and perform basic photometric analyses.

You will maintain documentation, help compare ground- and space-based observations, identify data-quality issues, and prepare figures for research meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent international degree.
• Undergraduate degree in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics.
• Experience with observations and modeling of stars or stellar populations.
• Experience with developing open source stellar model packages in Python.
• Experience with time series data analysis such as pulsating stars or microlensing events.
• Familiarity with observations of stellar spectroscopy.

Responsibilities

• Organize and process telescope imaging data.
• Perform basic photometric and quality-control analyses.
• Maintain clear documentation of data products and analysis procedures.
• Prepare figures or summaries for research meetings.
• Assist with comparing ground- and space-based observations.
• Receive training in scientific computing, data management, and responsible research practices.

Skills

Observations & stellar modeling

Python open-source models

Time series analysis

Stellar spectroscopy familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Junior/Assistant Specialist - Astronomy

Position overview

Position title: Junior/Assistant Specialist

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table for the current scale for this position T24B. A reasonable full-time salary estimate for this position is $57,000-69,400.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Fall 2026

Position duration: The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of an extension based on performance and the availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: August 17, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Sunday, Sep 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position description

Weisz's research group is located in the Astronomy Department at UC Berkeley. The group consists of research staff, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students broadly studying the stellar populations of nearby galaxies with a variety of cutting edge facilities (e.g., HST, JWST, Keck). The group interfaces with various research programs at Berkeley (e.g., DESI, UVEX) and works closely with simulators and theorists to interpret results.

Under the supervision of Professor Daniel Weisz, the Jr./Asst. Specialist will support observational astronomy research related to measuring distances to nearby galaxies. Duties will include organizing and processing telescope imaging data, performing basic photometric and quality‑control analyses, and maintaining clear documentation of data products and analysis procedures. They will also assist with comparing ground‑ and space‑based observations, identifying potential data‑quality issues, and preparing figures or summaries for research meetings. The position will also receive training in scientific computing, data management, and responsible research practices.

Lab: https://dweisz.github.io/

Union: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/contract/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent international degree

Preferred qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (e.g., BS, BA or equivalent) in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics.
• Experience with observations and modeling of stars or stellar populations.
• Experience with developing open source stellar model packages in python.
• Experience with time series data analysis such as pulsating stars or microlensing events.
• Familiarity with observations of stellar spectroscopy

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with the UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affidavit Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career centre), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affinitive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

Berkeley, CA