Astronomer job description.
An Astronomer conducts research on celestial objects and phenomena using observational data, telescopes, and computational models. They analyze data, publish findings, and often teach or collaborate with research institutions to advance understanding of the universe.
The Astronomer job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Astronomer Reports to: Research Director or Department Chair
An Astronomer conducts research on celestial objects and phenomena using observational data, telescopes, and computational models. They analyze data, publish findings, and often teach or collaborate with research institutions to advance understanding of the universe.
- Design and conduct research studies on astronomical phenomena
- Collect and analyze observational data from telescopes and instruments
- Develop and apply computational models and simulations
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Research Director or Department Chair
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Design and conduct research studies on astronomical phenomena
- Collect and analyze observational data from telescopes and instruments
- Develop and apply computational models and simulations
- Write and publish research papers in peer-reviewed journals
- Apply for research grants and funding
- Present findings at academic conferences and seminars
- Collaborate with other researchers and observatories
- Teach or mentor students in academic settings, where applicable
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field
- Strong background in physics, mathematics, and data analysis
- Experience with astronomical software and programming languages
- Track record of research publication
- Postdoctoral research experience
- Experience with specific instrumentation or observational techniques
- Grant writing and funding acquisition experience
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Astronomer job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Astronomer job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The senior band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Research Director or Department Chair) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- Is a PhD required to work as an astronomer?
- Most research astronomer positions require a PhD in astronomy or astrophysics, though related roles in data analysis or outreach may have different requirements.
- Do astronomers typically work at observatories?
- Many work at universities, research institutions, or observatories, and some roles involve significant time analyzing data remotely rather than on-site observation.
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This Astronomer job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.