Support Astronomer

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, November 3, 2017
Archive Date: 
Friday, December 1, 2017
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Scientific/Technical Staff
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
New Mexico State University / Sloan Digital Sky Survey
Department Name: 
Apache Point Observatory
City: 
Sunspot
State/Province: 
New Mexico
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

New Mexico State University is seeking a technical and computer-oriented person as a Support Astronomer for nighttime astronomical observing at Apache Point Observatory (APO) with the Astrophysical Research Consortium (ARC) / Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) 2.5m Telescope.

Responsibilities include nightly operation of SDSS telescopes, monitoring the data streams and system performance, evaluating data quality and observing efficiency, and making decision about observing plans. Work entails a non-standard work schedule including daytime evaluation of system performance and planning of future observations. Nightly operations consist of, setup, instrument preparation and calibration, telescope operations, service observing and operations with remote astronomers via the Internet. Support Astronomer assists visiting astronomers in obtaining high quality observational data; Provides technical, scientific and logistical support to visiting astronomers before, during, and after their observing runs a the telescope, including assistance with data analysis; Performs general and specific commissioning of the telescope and instruments; and Conducts astronomical research.

Minimum requirements are a Master’s Degree in astronomy or related field with five (5) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and seven (7) years of hands-on observing experience with modern astronomical spectrographic and/or imaging instruments, moderate to large telescopes, and astronomical data reductions with demonstrated successes in astronomical rese is equivalent. Unix programming skills are desirable.

Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents (CV/Resume, three references, unofficial copy of transcripts) must be attached to the NMSU electronic application system at http://jobs.nmsu.edu.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE AT THIS LINK (https://jobs.nmsu.edu/postings/29751). DO NOT SEND APPLICATION OR JOB DOCUMENTS TO APACHE POINT OBSERVATORY.

Employment is contingent on funding and eligibility for employment in U.S. as well as the results of a background verification. Target start date March 1, 2018. EEO/AA.

Included Benefits: 

Benefits: Group medical, hospital, life, dental, and disability insurance; State educational retirement, workers compensation, sick and annual leave, and unemployment compensation. See http://hr.nmsu.edu/benefits/

Application Deadline: 
Friday, December 1, 2017
Selection Deadline: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
https://jobs.nmsu.edu/postings/29751