Scientist

The international Gemini Observatory has an immediate opening for a fixed term Scientist position to perform research and support scientific operations at our Northern Base Facility. Funding is available for this position for a period of five years. (The funding for the position will end on October 1, 2024. ) We are committed to diversity and inclusion at Gemini Observatory. Our managing organization, AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp

We seek an individual who thrives in a culturally diverse environment. Scientist positions are split 80/20 with an elective additional 4-week block per year for dedicated research efforts. The successful applicant will have demonstrated scientific productivity in research, and possess the motivation and ability to identify and carry out new projects to completion while assisting in the day-to-day operations of the observatory. The successful applicant will also possess excellent teamwork skills in order to work collaboratively with Gemini staff and scientists in our international community, and participate in observatory committees and external scientific organizations.

The position is located at the Gemini North (GN) Observatory in Hilo, Hawaii.

All applicants must submit a cover letter with their CV that describes their interest in this position and their relevant experience along with a research statement that is no longer than 3 pages in length. Please include a list of 3 professional references with contact information.

The position will be hired as a Scientist at an appropriate point in the AURA/Gemini Scientist non-tenure track, depending on the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

The Gemini Observatory is managed by The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), a consortium of over 40 US institutions and four international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the Gemini Observatory, the National Optical Astronomical Observatory, the National Solar Observatory, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and the construction of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with NASA and the National Science Foundation.

Activities and Functions of the Job

In this position, you will be:

• Providing science support of instrumentation, telescope sub-systems, and facility.
• Participating in commissioning of instrumentation and support facilities.
• Preparing nightly queue observing plans and executing queue-based observations for other astronomers in the Gemini communities.
• Supporting Gemini users with specification of their observing program using Gemini tools, and introducing visiting observers to the telescope and instruments.
• Conducting tests, calibration, and maintenance and developing documentation of new and existing astronomical equipment, including control and data acquisition systems.
• Conducting independent research in any area of astronomy.
• Preparing and presenting scientific papers at astronomical meetings and symposia.

Training will be provided in these functions where needed.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

We seek an individual with a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy or related discipline. Our telescopes and instruments specialize in optical and in IR astronomy. Therefore we are looking for a person with experience using optical/IR observations, analyzing data and producing and publishing science results. As a scientist, we expect you to have a demonstrated ability to perform independent research in optical/IR astronomy. The job requires you to work in a culturally diverse environment, and sometimes to travel internationally. It is important to have good communication skills since you will have to communicate with a wide variety of staff, visiting observers and remote investigators throughout the Gemini partnership.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

Given Gemini Observatory’s telescopes and instrument capabilities, the following experiences are valued: Experience using and/or developing optical/IR telescopes and/or instrumentation and/or Adaptive Optics capabilities. Experience with working closely with engineering teams during science commissioning of astronomical instrumentation. The job will often require you to work with people from other disciplinary teams. Therefore it will be good if you have a demonstrated ability to perform well in a diverse multidisciplinary team to solve problems and issues. At the same time, it is important that you can work independently when necessary.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work of a Gemini Scientist is mostly carried out in an office environment near sea level. Long periods of sitting may be required. You will be expected to perform night time duties as well as day time, working to a prearranged schedule. Given the international nature of the observatory, you may also need to travel, and occasional work at high elevation (Maunakea, 4200m) may be required.

Application deadline is June 27, 2019. Position will remain open until filled.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.