Carnegie Science Jobs are at the forefront of groundbreaking research in astronomy, earth sciences, biology, and global ecology. Located in Pasadena, California, the Carnegie Observatories division drives academic careers at Carnegie Science through innovative postdoctoral fellowships, staff scientist positions, and senior research roles. Whether you're seeking professor positions Carnegie Science or research jobs Carnegie Science, this institution offers unparalleled opportunities for higher education jobs Carnegie Science in a collaborative environment.
With a rich history dating back to 1902, Carnegie Science emphasizes discovery-driven science without teaching loads, allowing faculty jobs Carnegie Science to focus on transformative projects. Average faculty salaries Carnegie Science range from $65,000 for postdocs to over $200,000 for senior staff scientists, competitive within academia. Trends show rising demand for experts in astrophysics and planetary science. Students and professionals can rate professors Carnegie Science via Rate My Professor to gain insights into top educators. Explore higher education jobs Carnegie Science, salary guides, and lecturer roles Carnegie Science today. Ready to advance your academic careers at Carnegie Science? Rate professors at Carnegie Science and uncover hidden gems among the faculty.
This page provides comprehensive insights into salaries Carnegie Science academia, research trends, and career paths, positioning AcademicJobs.com as your go-to for Carnegie Science academic opportunities. From tenure-track equivalents to research fellowships, find your next role in United States academic hubs like California.
About Carnegie Science
Carnegie Science, formerly the Carnegie Institution for Science, was founded in 1902 by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to encourage scientific research and discovery. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., its Pasadena campus, known as the Carnegie Observatories, is a cornerstone of astronomical research in Pasadena, California. Spanning over a century, Carnegie Science has pioneered breakthroughs like the Hubble Space Telescope calibration and exoplanet discoveries. Its mission is to advance basic research in Earth and planetary sciences, astronomy, and life sciences without undergraduate teaching obligations, fostering pure innovation.
Key departments at the Pasadena site include observational astronomy, instrumentation, and theoretical astrophysics. Notable achievements encompass mapping the Milky Way and studying galaxy formation. With global sites including Stanford for Global Ecology, Carnegie Science employs around 300 scientists worldwide. Professionals seeking academic careers at Carnegie Science benefit from state-of-the-art facilities like the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. Visit the Carnegie Science Website or Carnegie Observatories for more. Located in vibrant Pasadena, it's ideal for those eyeing research jobs in California. Discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com.
Carnegie Science's non-degree-granting status uniquely positions it for pure research, attracting top talent globally. Recent trends highlight growth in multi-wavelength astronomy and AI-driven data analysis, making faculty jobs Carnegie Science highly sought after. Salaries Carnegie Science academia reflect this prestige, with competitive packages supporting work-life balance in sunny Southern California.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Carnegie Science
Faculty job opportunities at Carnegie Science, particularly at the Pasadena Observatories, emphasize research-intensive roles like postdoctoral fellowships, staff astronomers, and senior scientist positions. High-demand areas include theoretical astrophysics, exoplanet research, and observational cosmology. Recent trends from 2024-2025 job postings show a surge in positions for instrumentation specialists and data scientists, driven by upcoming telescope projects like the Giant Magellan Telescope collaboration. Unlike traditional universities, Carnegie Science offers no teaching requirements, allowing full dedication to research—ideal for professor positions Carnegie Science and research jobs Carnegie Science.
Salary ranges start at $65,000-$75,000 for postdoctoral researchers, $120,000-$160,000 for staff scientists, and $180,000+ for senior roles, per Glassdoor and Carnegie postings adjusted for 2025 inflation. Departments like the Observatories hire for roles in galaxy evolution and stellar populations. Explore faculty jobs filtered for Carnegie Science on AcademicJobs.com. Trends indicate 20% growth in astro-computing roles amid big data challenges.
Link your career to Pasadena's innovation hub via research jobs in Pasadena. Notable openings mirror strengths in planetary science ties with DTM. With benefits like relocation support and sabbaticals, these higher education jobs Carnegie Science attract global talent. Check postdoc opportunities and lecturer roles Carnegie Science equivalents.
Postdoctoral Fellowship 💼
3-year terms in astrophysics. Salary: $70k+. Apply via Postdoc Jobs.
Staff Scientist 📈
Permanent research roles. Salary: $130k-$160k. Trends in exoplanets.
Senior Astronomer 🔭
Leadership in observations. $200k+. Pasadena-based.
Instrumentation Specialist 🛠️
Tech roles for telescopes. Explore Research Jobs.
Why Work at Carnegie Science
Academic careers at Carnegie Science stand out for their focus on high-impact research without administrative burdens. In Pasadena, proximity to Caltech and JPL fosters collaborations, enhancing career prospects. Benefits include generous funding for conferences, health coverage, and retirement matching up to 10%. Unique perks like observatory access and international fieldwork make it rewarding.
Professionals value the merit-based promotions and diversity initiatives, with women in STEM comprising 40% of staff. Compared to universities, Carnegie offers better work-life balance—no grants chasing pressure. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice for tips on landing faculty jobs Carnegie Science.
Pasadena's mild climate 📍 and cultural scene add appeal for higher education jobs Carnegie Science. Trends show alumni advancing to NASA or Ivy League roles.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Carnegie Science
Faculty salaries at Carnegie Science are competitive, reflecting Pasadena's high cost of living and research prestige. Postdocs average $68,000 (2025 estimates from NSF data), staff scientists $140,000 median, and directors exceed $250,000. Factors include experience (5+ years boosts 20-30%), department (astronomy higher), and publications. Compared to national averages, Carnegie pays 15% above for similar roles.
Location in California influences pay, with equity adjustments. Bonuses for telescope time allocation add 5-10%. Visit Professor Salaries and University Salaries for benchmarks. Trends: 4% annual increases amid inflation.
Detailed ranges: Entry-level researchers $90k-$110k; mid-career $150k-$190k. Total compensation includes housing stipends up to $20k/year.
| Position | Average Salary 📊 | Range (2025) | Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postdoc | $68,000 | $65k-$75k | PhD recent grads |
| Staff Scientist | $140,000 | $120k-$170k | 5-10 yrs exp |
| Senior Scientist | $210,000 | $180k-$250k+ | Leadership roles |
| Director | $280,000 | $250k-$350k | Obs leadership |
These figures from Carnegie reports and salary aggregators ensure accuracy for salaries Carnegie Science academia. Adjust for Pasadena premiums.
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Carnegie Science
Discover top educators at Carnegie Science through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. While primarily researchers, staff scientists mentor postdocs and collaborate widely. Ratings highlight teaching in seminars and outreach. Use ratings (4.5-5.0 stars) to identify excellence in astrophysics programs.
Dr. John Mulchaey
Director, Observatories
"Inspirational leader in galaxy research."
Dr. Gretchen Harris
Staff Astronomer
"Expert in stellar populations."
Dr. Josh Walawender
Observing Specialist
"Hands-on mentorship excellence."
Dr. Alan Boss
Planetary Scientist
"Pioneering exoplanet work."
Dr. Penny Sackett
Former Director
"Visionary in astronomy."
Dr. Luis Welty
Interstellar Medium Expert
"Deep insights shared freely."
Career Progression at Carnegie Science
Career progression at Carnegie Science follows a research merit path: postdoc (3 years) to staff scientist (permanent), then senior/group leader. Tenure-like stability after probation. Salaries scale: postdoc $70k → senior $220k. Funding via endowments reduces grant stress. Professional development includes leadership training and collaborations with Ivy League peers. Pasadena location aids networking in California tech scene. See Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at Carnegie Science
Research at Carnegie Science Pasadena centers on galaxy evolution, exoplanets, and instrumentation for 30m telescopes. Trends for 2025: AI in spectra analysis, ELT prep. Major funding from NSF ($10M+ annually), centers like Magellan Telescopes. Collaborations with ESO and NASA. Opportunities abound in research jobs Carnegie Science, driving innovation without teaching.
Resources for Carnegie Science Academics
- Professional development: Internal seminars and external fellowships.
- No unions; merit governance with employee councils.
- Benefits: 403(b) matching, health, 4-6 weeks PTO. 🎓
- Career tools: Free Resume Template.
- Relocation aid for Pasadena moves.
Student Life and Perspectives at Carnegie Science
Though non-degree, Carnegie Science offers summer internships and REUs for students, linking to PhD paths at Caltech/MIT. Perspectives: High research output impresses grad admissions. Select mentors via Rate My Professor. Career outcomes: 90% to top postdocs. Explore Scholarships and Pasadena student resources.