Become a Part of Our Team

Sample images of jobs available at Noirlab (Astronomers, Communication Staff, Engineers, IT Staff, Operation Staff, and others)

One of the goals of NSF’s NOIRLab is to build a world-class, diverse workforce and support an inclusive environment that encourages professional development and offers top-notch benefits. Our talented staff, who work at our Headquarters or one of our other Sites, come from a variety of fields. Positions include scientists, engineers, educators, information technology staff, outreach and public relations professionals, managers, writers, designers, business professionals, and administrative staff.

We are deeply committed to encouraging people of all backgrounds to apply for these opportunities. Our experience has demonstrated that the broader the styles, characteristics, backgrounds, and abilities of our staff — in other words, the more diverse our team is — the greater potential we have for success. NOIRLab is committed to the people who support our mission to advance astronomy and related sciences. We are deeply invested in developing and improving our policies and practices to create a welcoming and productive work environment. 

As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, NOIRLab does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, or mental or physical disability. Veterans, people who are disabled, or wounded warriors who need assistance with the employment process may contact us at employment@aura-astronomy.org.

The job openings listed are consolidated from all of our offices and represent the range of positions and geographic locations available to applicants. Where will your next exciting astronomy lab opportunity take you?

Discover the latest opportunities

Analysts and Specialists

Technical staff provide a variety of skills and expertise that support the operation of the observatories and their instruments and the analysis and management of data, and facilitate research, telescope user support and outreach. Positions include research analysts, instrument analysts, observation analysts, science operations analysts, archive analysts, documentation specialists, web developers, graphic designers, and data visualization designers.

Astronomers

Research astronomers provide science leadership in programs designed to enhance the scientific value of telescope observatories, telescope instruments and scientific data, and they also promote public awareness and understanding of the scientific discoveries made at these observatories. Research astronomers may work with observatory instrumentation, science product and service development, user support for the astronomical community, archive and science data management, outreach, science policy, or community support. Research astronomers also conduct personal astronomical research.

Communications Staff

Communications and public outreach staff promote the scientific discoveries from NOIRLab facilities and provide informal education services and materials for the public. Positions include educators, writers, graphic designers, scientists, web development specialists, and news specialists.

Engineers

Engineers develop and maintain software and software systems for telescope systems, data science and archive management, telescope construction, planning and operations, integration and testing and instrument operations. Engineers may focus on software development, systems engineering, electrical engineering, database management and science instrument engineering.

IT Staff

Information Technology (IT) staff provide support for all IT services including user support, systems administration, network architecture, security and operation, data center operations and science data storage, and maintenance and operations support.

Operations Staff

Business services staff provide administrative support for the operation of the organization, including accounting and financial services, procurement, contract management, grant management, facilities management, human resources, and program and project management.

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