The Carnegie Observatories, a department of Carnegie Science, a non-profit, world-class astronomical institution with offices located in Pasadena, California, is seeking a Telescope and Instrument Operator to work at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. Carnegie astronomers and researchers representing a wide international consortium of institutions are conducting SDSS-V, an ambitious, multi-year, integrated visible and near-infrared spectroscopic survey including the Milky Way Mapper (MWM), Black Hole Mapper (BHM), and Local Volume Mapper (LVM) projects.
The MWM and BHM surveys employ new state-of-the-art, robotic, multi-optical fiber positioners on the 2.5-meter telescopes at both LCO and at the Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico to feed the APOGEE and BOSS spectrographs. The Telescope and Instrument Operator will join our staff at LCO to support operations at the duPont 2.5m and participate in these exciting, world-class, wide field survey programs.
LCO offices and administrative headquarters are located in the coastal city of La Serena, while the observatory facilities are located 160 km north of La Serena at the southern extremity of the Atacama Desert in the Andes mountains.
Job Description
The Telescope and Instrument Operator (TIO) is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the telescope and its subsystems during night shifts. This role requires close collaboration with remote teams and local staff. The TIO must make critical decisions regarding the start or cessation of operations in response to adverse weather conditions or other hazards.
In addition to operational duties, the TIO is expected to perform basic troubleshooting, handle cryogenic liquid and maintain clear communication with both on-site staff and the survey team during technical issues. Daily and weekly reports on telescope and instrument operations are required, along with active participation in meetings. The TIO will also contribute to the development of documentation and operational procedures.
The normal work schedule is 7 nights in residence at the Observatory (2,300m) and 7 nights off.
Education required
An advanced degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering and/or equivalent experience in telescope operations for an astronomical observatory or similar scientific environment.
Skills required
· Experience with telescopes and astronomical instrumentation
· Knowledge of astronomical software
· Computer expertise in Linux or Mac OSx environments.
· Ability to communicate and cooperate in a team environment and to speak and write effectively, including technical reports and protocol documents.
· Fluency in written and spoken English.
· Proficiency in programming is highly desirable.
· Valid driver's license.
· Ability to work at 2,300 m.
Application Instructions
Position URL: http://apply.interfolio.com/153686
Carnegie is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer:
A complete job description is contained in this advertisement – no phone calls, please. Email address for inquiries about the job: fdimille@carnegiescience.edu
Please, necessarily include in the application form, the desired salary range.
Applicants are encouraged to apply by October 10, 2024, when application review will begin. However, the position will remain open until filled. Only select candidates who meet our requirements will be contacted.
At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with a variety of viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Carnegie Institution for Science has a long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.