Staff Astronomer I

keck; Waimea/Kamuela (HI); On-site; USD 84,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks vacation

403(b) employer contribution

Dependent tuition assistance

Health insurance

Competitive starting salary

Job summary

W. M. Keck Observatory is seeking a Staff Astronomer I to join the Observing Support team.

The role blends hands-on telescope and instrument support with scientific software and data analysis, instrumentation development, and independent research, with approximately 20% of time for personal research. The successful candidate will assist visiting astronomers before, during, and after observing runs, collaborate with engineers and technical staff to maintain and improve Keck's world‑class

Job description

Explore the Universe from One of the World's Leading Astronomical Observatories

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 Hawaiʻi 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 $100,374 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.