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.
