Staff Astronomer

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Archive Date: 
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Scientific/Technical Staff
Institution Classification/Type: 
Other
Institution/Company: 
W. M. Keck Observatory
City: 
Kamuela
State/Province: 
Hi
Zip/Postal: 
96743
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Are you an astronomer that enjoys working with instruments, data analysis, and loves observing as much as making discoveries? Do you enjoy working closely with some of the best astronomers in the field? Would you like to join a high-performance team of like-minded scientists responsible for instrumentation and observing support at a renowned astronomical observatory, working with the biggest telescopes on the planet and residing in one of the world’s most uniquely beautiful and diverse locations?

All qualified applicants, including women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the Staff Astronomer position at the W. M. Keck Observatory.

The W. M. Keck Observatory (WMKO) on the Big Island of Hawaii operates the world’s two largest optical/infrared telescopes from the summit of Mauna Kea. The Observatory seeks a Staff Astronomer that is a motivated self-starter, thrives in a team environment, has knowledge of ground-based optical and near-IR observing techniques and instrumentation, has a keen interest in data reduction, data analysis, and who appreciates the chance to work at the cutting edge of discovery in astronomy.

The successful applicant will join WMKO’s existing team of Staff Astronomers responsible for assisting visiting observers in using the instruments; maintaining, calibrating, and improving WMKO’s suite of world-class astronomical instrumentation; supporting data reduction; and participating on instrument building teams during development and commissioning of future instruments. The Staff Astronomers work primarily at WMKO headquarters in Waimea, renowned as one of Hawaii’s most livable communities, and travel to the Mauna Kea summit for occasional work as required. Team members are expected to dedicate 20% of their time to active astronomical research.

Required minimum qualifications are a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or engineering; relevant experience may be substituted for a degree. The candidate should have an Interest and/or experience with scientific instrumentation as well as experience observing and/or working at an astronomical observatory; Candidates must be capable of working effectively with visiting observers and coordinating multi-disciplinary instrument commissioning and maintenance teams.

Application

Apply to join a skilled and deeply committed team of professionals who enable exciting and important astronomical discoveries. Submit a cover letter and resume telling us how your background and passion relate to the position. Cover letters can be addressed to Jeannette Mundon in the Human Resources Office.

To see the full job description and to apply, go to https://keckobservatory.applicantpro.com/jobs

Review of applications will begin in April 2019, but the position will remain open until filled. Cover letters can be addressed to Jeannette Mundon, Human Resources Office.

About Us

Read about us, our science and our mission, go to: www.keckobservatory.org. To see a video about Keck go to: https://vimeo.com/90063671

Benefits

Keck Observatory offers a robust rewards package which includes: a competitive salary; a broad benefits bundle including a 403(b) plan; a highly regarded tuition assistance program for dependent children (K-12 grade); and an unmatched focus of excellence.

EEO Employer

Application Deadline: 
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Selection Deadline: 
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Jeannette Mundon
Title: 
Talent Management Administrator
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Jeannette Mundon
Subject: 
Staff Astronomer post