Support Astronomer for Lick Observatory

Position overview

Position title :

Support Astronomer for Lick Observatory (Asst. Spec. - Spec. Ranks)

Salary range :

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the scale titled, Represented Specialist Series Fiscal Year . A salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. A reasonable estimate for this position is $75,000 - $105,000.

Percent time : Full-time (100%)

Anticipated start :

As soon as possible after the initial review of applications.

Position duration :

Initial appointment will be for two years, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date : October 3, 2025

Most recent review date : Monday, Nov 3, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date : Friday, Oct 2, 2026 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a Support Astronomer for Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton. UCO's mission is to provide UC astronomers with access to forefront optical and infrared observatories, to design and build advanced instrumentation for the Lick, Keck, and Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Observatories, and to provide an organization that can coordinate astronomy groups throughout the UC system in support of their ground-based observing. UCO is a multi-campus astronomical research unit of UC, with headquarters on the UCSC campus. UCO operates the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton and technical laboratories at UCSC and UCLA, and funds instrumentation-related activities around the UC system. UCO is a managing partner of the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, and the focal point for UC participation in the TMT project.

Support Astronomer Duties

Scientific Support (60%)

Provide the following technical and scientific support to observers :

• Instrument setup and calibration.
• Observer training and checkouts.
• On-call troubleshooting and recovery.

Operate and maintain Lick instrumentation, including ShaneAO and associated laser systems :

Public Programs & Outreach (40%)

The position requires that the Support Astronomer reside at Lick Observatory at Mount Hamilton (a remote, rural environment and community) during night operations shifts and secure their own transportation to and from the worksite. Subsidized university owned housing at Lick Observatory at Mount Hamilton (a remote, rural environment and community) may be available to rent for the support astronomer.

Working Conditions

Candidates with any of the following areas of expertise are especially encouraged to apply :

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.

Lick Observatory : https : / / www.lickobservatory.org

UC Observatories : https : / / www.ucobservatories.org

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at the time the application is submitted)

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include a list of publications (please include DOI links or the URLs of PDFs) and a minimum of three professional references along with their contact information. The search committee will contact the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.

Cover Letter - Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.

Reference requirements

Applications must include confidential letters of recommendation

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucsc.edu / JPF02001

Help contact : gcoolidg@ucsc.edu

About UC Santa Cruz

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.

APM - 035 : Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

The University of California 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at jobaccommodations@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-4602.

Notice of Availability : In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report . This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check . The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530 .

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work / life balance.

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.

VISIT UC Santa Cruz

Job location

Revised : Lick Observatory at Mount Hamilton, CA