Service Observer

Are you a service-oriented individual with experience observing at optical and near-infrared telescopes? Do you have an interest in working at the forefront of science and technology at one of the world’s largest observatories? The Large Binocular Telescope Observatory, home of the only large-scale binocular telescope — with two identical 8.4 meter mirrors mounted side-by-side on a common altitude-azimuth mount, is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated person to join the Observational Development and Support Team as a Service Observer.

Service Observers (SO) are trained on our unique and groundbreaking AO system, which includes two fully-adaptive secondary mirrors. They are also expert in LBTO's facility instrument suite: a wide-­field optical imager, an optical multi­-object imager/spectrograph, and a near-­infrared imager/spectrograph. Service Observers (SO) plan and participate in block scheduled AO campaigns using either ARGOS, LBTO’s laser-assisted Ground Layer Adaptive Optics (GLAO) system or the AO-fed high-resolution camera, spectrograph, and interferometer, LBTI. They are also available as secondary support for seeing-limited observing led by our partnership. Nighttime operations are generally executed from a remote observing room in LBT’s headquarters on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, AZ, although summit observing at the telescope on Mt. Graham (3200 m) is occasionally necessary; the ability to work night shifts and at altitude is a job requirement.

SOs are also responsible for a variety of daytime tasks including assisting visiting astronomers with observing preparation and developing data analysis and reduction tools. SO’s work closely with developers on the upgrade, testing, and maintenance of in-house software and maintain web-pages and documentation, especially those related to science operations and observing planning.

A bachelor's degree in astronomy is the minimum qualification, although advanced degrees are preferred. Experience as an optical and/or near-infrared observer and/or considerable experience evaluating astronomical data products is required. Candidates should have a genuine interest in enabling groundbreaking astronomical research and serving the LBT community, work well in a team environment and independently and possess excellent communication, writing, and multi-tasking skills. If you are a curious and motivated person who fits this description, please apply!