Applications are invited for the position of Research Scientist supporting Boston University interests at Lowell Observatory (LO). The successful applicant will be stationed at LO in Flagstaff, AZ where BU maintains an office. The main duties are to help maintain Boston University instruments at LO telescopes, update and maintain software for operating these instruments, provide logistics support to visiting Boston University researchers, and act as a partial liaison between Boston University staff and researchers and their LO counterparts. The successful applicant may also be involved in scientific collaborations within and/or outside of Boston University. Desired qualifications include extensive experience in working with astronomical instruments, a high degree of competence in the use of programming languages, and strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills. The applicant must either have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field, or another degree plus a minimum of 3-5 years of closely related experience.
Since 1998, Boston University and Lowell Observatory have jointly operated the 72-inch Perkins telescope, located on Anderson Mesa, near Flagstaff, AZ. Members of Boston University’s Institute for Astrophysical Research (IAR) have built two instruments for the Perkins telescope: PRISM, which provides optical imaging, polarimetry, and spectroscopy; and Mimir, which provides near-infrared imaging, polarimetry, and spectroscopy. Boston University is also a partner in the 4.3 m Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT), which saw first light in 2012. There are currently no Boston University-built instruments on the DCT, but such instruments are planned for the future. The Research Scientist will play active roles in the maintenance and operation of Boston University instruments on the Perkins telescope and the DCT.
Candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names of three people who can provide letters of reference on behalf of the candidate to Erin Reynolds, [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will commence as soon as possible.
Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. Boston University prohibits discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status.