Assistant Science Operation Specialist (SOS)

NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

This time, a Science Operations Specialist (SOS) position is available at the NOIRLab Research & Science Services (RSS) group - Telescope Operations division, to work with the International Gemini Observatory - South in La Serena, Chile. An SOS is a member of the Telescope Operations team and performs a number of essential duties in the Observatory’s operation. The tasks fall in four main areas: (1) Telescope operation, (2) Queue observing, (3) Daytime quality assessment, instrument calibration and software testing and (4) Project work: specialized work in line with observatory goals and mission; assigned by management. This position does not include personal research time.

Essential Functions:

• Operates the telescope, instruments and computer systems during night-time and day-time science and engineering use.
• Performs queue observing and assists visiting and staff scientists and engineers in their use of telescope, instruments and computer systems.
• Evaluates the quality of scientific data and provides operational, technical and archival support for data handling.
• Works independently on special projects aligned with Observatory goals.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• A Bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, computer science, engineering or closely related field is required; a Masters is preferred, particularly if it included observing experience.
• Must possess organizational and communication skills as well as the ability to learn quickly. Must be fluent in English, while command of the Spanish language is an advantage.
• A good working knowledge of PyRAF/IRAF, Python, and the Unix/Linux operating system is preferred.
• Requires prior experience in operation of large telescope and the ability to work productively in a multinational team.
• Must be prepared to work night shifts. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays as needed. Schedule is subject to change and varies by person within the group based on their responsibilities.
• Must be reliable, dependable, and flexible - excellent attendance and commitment to work scheduled shifts is necessary.
• Must be prepared to be responsible for the safety of people and equipment while working at night. Requires outstanding judgment and ability to communicate firmly when issues of safety of personnel or the telescope are apparent.
• Must be a self-learner and self-starter; requires above-average initiative.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to drive 4-wheel vehicles.

Physical Requirements:

There are basic physical requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is required to pass medical examination post offer and potentially at specified intervals while employed, if medically necessary.

Work at high elevation summit sites is required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet). Cerro Pachon: Ability to work at 2,700 meters altitude, sometimes during inclement weather. Also, given the international nature of NOIRLab, some travel may be necessary in or outside the United States and Chile.

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If you would like to apply for this opportunity, please submit your CV/resume along with a Cover Letter in English (PDF files). Also, kindly provide contact information of 3 professional references in your application, as references will be contacted later in the recruiting process. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname.Docname. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by May 16, 2022.  Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to [email protected]

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at [email protected]

At NOIRLab we are committed to diversity and inclusion; our managing organization, AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp

COVID-19 POLICY UPDATE:  AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated, unless qualified for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons.  All new employees will be required to comply with this policy and will be required to present proof of full vaccination or submit a completed request (including supporting documents, if applicable) for an exemption at least five (5) business days prior to their start of employment. Individuals who fail to meet this deadline may have their employment start date delayed. This is a requirement for all employees working onsite or from home (telework or hybrid remote work schedule). Currently the vaccination requirement does not apply to any future AURA employees working in Chile, regardless of their nationality or type of contract.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA. As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations.