Adaptive Optics (AO) Postdoctoral Fellow

This is a temporary position with an anticipated length of 2.5 years

Are you ready to join a dynamic and dedicated team that develops and optimizes Adaptive Optics systems for astronomical science?

The W. M. Keck Observatory (WMKO) operates two 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes and an associated suite of advanced instrumentation, including laser guide star adaptive optics facilities. These telescopes have been extremely productive scientifically and have allowed the WMKO science community to play a leading role in understanding the universe from our solar system, to exoplanets, black holes, the earliest galaxies, and dark matter and energy.

Under the general supervision of the Adaptive Optics (AO) Scientist, this position plays a lead role in the development and optimization of the Keck All sky Precision Adaptive Optics System (KAPA). KAPA will upgrade the Keck I AO system to a laser tomography system. The upgraded system will include a new laser, three laser beacons, a new real time controller, improved near-infrared tip-tilt sensing and PSF reconstruction for the OSIRIS integral field spectrograph. 

Principal activities include:

• Play a lead role in the design, development, characterization, optimization, commissioning and documentation of the KAPA system.
• Play a lead role in the preparation for and performance of engineering observing runs, in order to efficiently and effectively carry out the nighttime engineering observing programs.
• Conduct adaptive optics research to further the Keck high angular resolution capabilities, performance or productivity, and to stimulate research at Keck Observatory.

Required Qualifications include:

• PhD level degree in adaptive optics or high angular resolution astronomy, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with real-time control and associated algorithms.

Application

Apply to join a skilled and deeply committed team of professionals who enable exciting and important astronomical discoveries. Go to: https://keckobservatory.applicantpro.com/jobs/

About Us

Read about us, our science and our mission and submit a cover letter and resume telling us how your background and passion relate to this position. WMKO is a private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and in a scientific partnership of the California Institute of Technology, the University of California and NASA. 

EEO Employer