Instrument Scientist

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Archive Date: 
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Scientific/Technical Staff
Institution Classification/Type: 
Research Laboratory
Institution/Company: 
Lowell Observatory
City: 
Flagstaff
State/Province: 
AZ
Zip/Postal: 
86001
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Lowell Observatory located in Flagstaff, Arizona, is seeking an Instrument Scientist, a position within the observatory’s technology group.  The Instrument Scientist is responsible for the creation and maintenance of all astronomical instrumentation as well as related hardware and software across all Lowell observatory sites in northern Arizona including: the 4.3m Lowell Discovery Telescope, existing and planned 1-m class facilities on Anderson Mesa, and smaller aperture telescopes on Lowell’s main campus on Mars Hill.  The position may be filled at any experience level.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Instrument Scientist (IS) will support Lowell Observatory’s technology group. In particular, the IS will assist bringing new instruments and capabilities on line at the various facilities such as: fully-robotic telescope control systems, adaptive optics and wavefront sensing projects, site monitoring improvements, calibration and performance trending of existing instruments, and the design, implementation, and commissioning of next-generation 4m-class instruments.  The IS will also play a pivotal role in the preparation of grant proposals for instrumentation or technology projects, and may include meeting with potential donors or advisory boards. Additionally, the IS will occasionally assist observers and operators of the various telescope facilities, and will generally support all technical activities across the observatory.  The IS may apply for observing time on any of the Lowell observatory facilities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Candidates should hold a MS or Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.  A successful applicant will be able to demonstrate experience in some of the following areas; given the broad scope below, expertise in all of them is not required or expected:

  • A strong background designing, building, or working with:
    • IR and optical detector systems development and operations
    • Optomechanical systems, including general optics design (especially Zemax or similar) and electronic controls

• Closed cycle cryogenic (e.g. Stirling, GM, or JT) coolers and associated vacuum systems

• Data reduction and processing

• Troubleshooting instrumentation problems

    • Mechanical design

· Software development, including system administration and overall design

  • Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams, including external collaborators

Additionally, the IS should have strong communications skills, and should be prepared for occasionally time-critical and potentially high-pressure situations.

Pay Compensation
Salary Min: 
$85000.00 (USD)
Salary Max: 
$95000.00 (USD)
Compensation Notes: 
DOE
Included Benefits: 

Benefits Overview: In addition to 11 scheduled paid holidays, Lowell Observatory offers a Flexible Paid Time Off policy for all full-time, benefit eligible employees which allows you to determine how much time you need to rest and enjoy yourself outside of work. Paid time off also includes paid Parental and FMLA leaves. The cost of premiums for medical, life & long term disability insurances for benefit eligible employees is 100% paid by the company, and includes a contribution to either an H.S.A or HRA account for first dollar medical expenses. A portion of dependent medical insurance is paid by the company. Up to a 5% match on retirement contributions after 6 months of employment and funds in lifestyle spending account provided by the observatory.

Application Deadline: 
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Selection Deadline: 
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Ryan Hamilton
Title: 
Head of Instrumentation
Phone: 
928-233-3251
FAX: 
9282689876
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Ryan Hamilton
Subject: 
Instrument Scientist