Staff Astronomer

W.M. Keck Observatory in Kamuela, HI is actively seeking an ambitious and experienced full-time Staff Astronomer to instruct observers in the use of instruments and telescopes. Do you have a Ph.D. in astronomy or a related field? Have you previously worked at an astronomical observatory or a similar research institution? Are you aspiring to advance your career in observatory operations, instrumentation, and research with a supportive team in an innovative and lively environment? If so, please keep reading!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STAFF ASTRONOMER

As an instrument scientist, your role is the core of what we do. By ensuring that observers are properly instructed in the use of our instruments, you support quality scientific research. You work directly with researchers to operate and calibrate instrumentations while supporting nighttime observations. Working with technical teams, you solve problems, add new capabilities, perform maintenance, and make minor upgrades to instruments. Working with the development teams at the observatory and at partner institutions, you assist with instrument projects and new initiatives. Your job is highly collaborative, as you team with engineers and technicians to keep instruments in top condition and meet the needs of observers.

Being a instrument scientist, your ultimate goal is to develop a high degree of expertise in one or more of our instruments. You develop your expertise by maintaining, operating, and improving instruments with proper documentation. To

achieve observatory goals, you develop, test, optimize, and document observing techniques and methodology. You contribute to the data management of the observatory with data reduction tools and techniques as well as deal with observers' data analysis inquiries. Observers' concerns are also met when you respond to post-observing comment forms and follow through on improvements. Being an instrument scientist also affords time to perform independent research and help develop optimal observing techniques and methodology.

STAFF ASTRONOMER QUALIFICATIONS

•  Ph.D. in astronomy or a related science field
•  3 years of experience working at an astronomical observatory or similar research institution
•  Knowledge about astronomical instrumentation

Experience working with data reduction packages and with scientific instrumentation would be a plus! Do you have the ability to communicate effectively? Can you work well under pressure? Are you collaborative? Can you analyze and evaluate data and equipment efficiently? If yes, you would be the perfect fit for our observing support team!

STAFF ASTRONOMER WORK SCHEDULE

Your Staff Astronomer schedule is full-time and includes afternoon/night-time support of the 7 nights a week science operations with observers in Waimea or at remote mainland sites. The schedule also includes day-time work as an instrument scientist.