Head of Instrumentation

**Please note this is an abridged job description. Please visit our website for a complete job description with instructions on how to apply. https://lowell.edu/about/career-opportunities/ **

Lowell Observatory invites applications for the position of Head of Instrumentation (HOI), a leadership position in Lowell’s Technology Group. The HOI reports to Lowell’s Deputy Director for Technology (DDT) and will, in collaboration with the DDT and the Technical Facilities Manager, both supervise and work alongside the instrumentation staff that builds and supports the instruments at the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT), the smaller-aperture facilities at Anderson Mesa, and the Mars Hill Flagstaff campus.  The Head of Instrumentation will be responsible for expanding the Lowell Instrumentation Group into a cohesive world class group of motivated, forward thinking, professional instrument scientists and engineers.  The Observatory is currently exploring designs for both the next generation of LDT instrumentation and a new Technology Services Center; this position is ideal for someone who is passionate about shepherding new instrumentation and/or technical facilities projects from start (i.e., scientific requirements definition) to finish (i.e. commissioning, operations, and ongoing maintenance).

Lowell Observatory operates telescopes at three sites: its expanding Mars Hill campus (both research and public viewing telescopes); Anderson Mesa, with 1.1-meter and 1.0-meter (in development) telescopes, as well as the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI); and Happy Jack with the 4.3-meter LDT. Lowell operates a well-equipped instrument shop to support projects from design and development of modern instrumentation, to restoration and preservation of historic observing facilities such as Percival Lowell’s 24” Alvan Clark refractor and the Pluto discovery telescope.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads instrument-related projects and various telescope activities for the LDT, Anderson Mesa facilities, and the Public Program/Mars Hill
• Provides elements of instrument design (e.g., optical, mechanical, detector, cooling, vacuum, software) and the systems engineering and management role for large projects, including defining instrument requirements that address the science goals of astronomical instrument proposals
• Plays a central role in the development (and eventual operation) of the Technology Services Center
• Works with the telescope user community and the technology group to assess instrumentation needs, including performance optimization and troubleshooting
• Provides technical leadership and operational management for the instrument group, who are collectively responsible for the optomechanical, electrical, and software elements of current and future Lowell Observatory instrumentation (as well as occasional externally-contracted instruments for NASA or similar organizations)

• Supports the Deputy Director for Technology (DDT) in working with the Lowell faculty and Public Program groups, and in defining project priorities for the Observatory.  Also assists the Deputy Director for Development (DDD) to obtain funds for projects
• Ensures that instrumentation and software are ready for observing every night at the various telescope facilities (shared with the Operations Manager)
• Identifies, assigns, and tracks all projects required to correct or prevent system faults.  Develops and executes preventative maintenance plans and procedures for instruments, and participates in instrument maintenance activities when needed

A qualified candidate will not necessarily have prior experience with every element of this position, but should be willing to grow and challenge themselves in areas beyond their current expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications for this position include a BS degree (advanced degree preferred) in astronomy, physics, engineering, or a closely related field, plus significant experience in designing, building, maintaining, and operating research-grade astronomical telescopes, instrumentation, electronics, and software. Experience in management of technical personnel is also required.  Extensive knowledge of and experience with modern software architecture, practices, and programming is desirable.  Experience in building, maintaining, and/or operating instrumentation specifically for 4m-class (or greater) telescopes is a plus.

The HOI leads the instrument group in instrument development and operations, and also facilitates communication of priorities and goals between the instrument group and other Lowell Observatory groups. The position therefore requires someone skilled in communication, project management, personal interactions, and an ability to define, balance, and advance multiple tasks based on institutional and group priorities.