The Carnegie Science Las Campanas Observatory (LCO), located in Chile’s Atacama Desert, is one of the world’s premier astronomical observing sites, renowned for its exceptionally dark skies, stable atmosphere, and outstanding seeing. LCO enables cutting-edge research across a wide range of astrophysical fields using a suite of powerful, state-of-the-art telescopes, including the twin Magellan Telescopes (operated for a consortium of institutions including Carnegie, Harvard, MIT, U. of Arizona, and U. of Michigan), the du Pont telescope and the Local Volume Mapper Instrument (LVM-I), which currently conduct the Sloan Digital Sky Survey V (SDSS-V), and suite of other hosted facilities operated by different world-class universities and institutions around the world. LCO is also home to the Giant Magellan Telescope Observatory (GMTO), which is currently under construction.
The observatory combines scientific excellence with a collaborative, international research environment, offering its staff the rare opportunity to work at the forefront of discovery while living and working in a place of remarkable natural beauty. With a strong commitment to innovation, safety, and professional growth, Las Campanas Observatory is an inspiring setting for those passionate about advancing astronomy and supporting world-class science.
Open Vacancy: Survey Observer/Operator (SOO)
The LCO Technical Operations Group is seeking a Survey Observer/Operator (SOO) to join its Survey Operations Team at the 2.5 m du Pont telescope. As part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey V (SDSS-V) program, the du Pont telescope is currently in full survey mode. The focal plane is equipped with state-of-the-art multi-fiber robotic positioners, whose fibers feed the BOSS optical spectrograph and the APOGEE 2-S infrared spectrograph. The Survey Operations Team also provides support for the Local Volume Mapper Instrument (LVM-I), the widest-field integral-field spectrograph in the world, which operates at LCO as a robotic facility.
The position is full-time, 7 nights in residence at the observatory and 7 nights off. The position on offer is a one year fixed term, with the possibility of annual renewal according to the continuity of the SDSS project. The anticipated start date for this position is 17 March, 2026.
LCO offices and administrative headquarters are located in the city of La Serena, while the observatory facilities are located in the Andes mountains 160 km north of La Serena at an altitude of 2300 meters. Transportation from La Serena to LCO and back, as well as meals, and lodging at the beautiful LCO mountain lodge, as provided by the observatory.
Job Description
The successful candidate will ensure the safe and efficient nightly survey operations of the SDSS-V instrument suite (including the LVM-I), and the duPont telescope and its subsystems. She/he has the responsibility for instrument checkout and calibrations, monitoring the nightly data streams and system performance, evaluating data quality and observing efficiency, and making decisions implementing observing plans.
The SOO also has a key role in supporting instrument commissioning, performing basic troubleshooting, and communicating with other mountain staff and instrument teams in case of technical issues. Additionally she/he writes daily and weekly reports on the operations of the survey, the telescope and related equipment, and contributes to documenting operations procedures. The SOO is a member of the LCO Technical Group and will report directly to the LCO Operations Scientist & Night Operations Lead.
Required Education/Experience:
Qualified candidates will have a degree in astronomy, physics, engineering or a closely related field.
Exceptional work experience may substitute for degree requirements.
Required Skills/Abilities:
-Fluency in written and spoken English & Spanish.
-Ability to communicate and cooperate in a team environment and to speak and write effectively, including technical reports and protocol documents.
-Computer expertise in Linux/UNIX environments, shells, and command line interfaces
-Valid driver's license (Class “B”).
-Ability to work at 2,300 m
Desirable Skills/Experience
-Hands-on observing experience with moderate to large ground-based telescopes
-Experience with astronomical data analysis, quality assessment, and visualization
-Understanding of optical, mechanical, electronic, and cryogenic systems
-Programing and scripting experience (ideally in Python)
Application Process
The application process are at the following link: SOO.2026.LCO
Only electronic applications submitted through that link - necessarily include the desired salary range - will be considered.
Complete job description is contained in this advertisement – no phone calls please. Any questions or queries regarding the position, please do so through the BUK link already indicated.
Applicants are encouraged to apply by February 23 2026, when application review will begin. However, the position will remain open until filled. Only select candidates who meet our requirements will be contacted.
Carnegie Science is an equal opportunity employer. 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 characteristics protected by law.
This job offer considers Ley N° 21.015 (Chile) which encourages the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace.