The International Gemini Observatory, part of the NSF’s NOIRLab, has an immediate opening for an ADAPTIVE OPTICS SCIENTIST at our Northern Base Facility.  We are committed to diversity and inclusion at Gemini Observatory. 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

We seek an individual who can thrive in a culturally diverse environment. The Adaptive Optics Scientist will play a leading role in the operations and maintenance of the Altair Adaptive Optics facility at Gemini North, and the development and operations of the GNAO Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics facility being planned for Gemini North. GNAO will be a Laser Guide Star Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics system operated as a facility class system on Gemini North.  This position will be part of the Technology Development Department within the National Optical Infrared Research Laboratory, which includes our Adaptive Optics operations and development staff across both Gemini telescopes. This position will be based at Gemini North in Hilo, Hawaii, with work occasionally required at the Gemini North telescope on the Maunakea summit. The position will mostly work regular office hours, however, night-shift observing duties will also be required, mostly remotely from the base facility in Hilo. Occasional travel to international destinations including Gemini South in La Serena, Chile may be required. This position will be filled at either the Postdoctoral Fellow, Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, or Scientist level depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate. The initial appointment will be for 3 years, with the possibility of extension or renewal based on satisfactory performance, operational needs and funding availability.

AURA provides a generous compensation package including health coverage, paid vacation leave, parental leave and retirement benefits. 

All applicants must submit a cover letter with their resume that describes their interest in this position and their relevant experience along with three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Interviews will be scheduled for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and complete the application process as instructed. The position will remain open until filled.

Essential Functions:

• Supports the AO instruments and AO observations at Gemini, including daytime calibrations and tests as well as night time operations and support.
• Coordinates with AO staff and Gemini Science and Engineering Operations to organize and manage upgrades, maintenance and improvements to Gemini AO systems.
• Carries out observational/research projects and prepares results for publication.
• Provides specialist advice to others on scientific exploitation of Gemini facilities.                                                                               
• Organizes commissioning and ongoing development of Gemini telescopes, AO instrumentation and support facilities.
• Contributes to development of software for reduction and analysis of Gemini AO data.
• Tests, calibrates, maintains and documents new and existing astronomical equipment, including AO instruments, observing systems and software, working with engineering staff.
• Presents scientific and technical results at astronomical meetings and symposia.
• Maintains an interest in the scientific mission of Gemini, its relation to the wider scientific context and to the public interest.
• Participates in observatory committees and national/international scientific organizations and meetings.
• Contributes to public outreach and communicating astronomy to the public.
• Serves on interview panels.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities

Qualified candidates will have a  Ph.D. in Astronomy or related field and at least 3 years of experience working with Adaptive Optics systems, preferably at a major ground based astronomical observatory. This is not a requirement for hiring as a postdoctoral fellow, but is required at any of the scientist levels.  Additional requirements include excellent technical writing, advanced computer and oral/public speaking communication skills with the ability to communicate with a wide variety of staff, visiting observers and remote investigators throughout the Gemini partnership. Must be able to work in small teams as well as work independently and possess the motivation and ability to identify and carry out new projects in a team environment while participating in the day-to-day operations of the observatory.   Possess excellent team player skills with an aptitude for dealing with practical problems and issues is necessary. Knowledge of theoretical and observational approaches to exploring the origins and astrophysical properties of celestial objects and the Universe.  Familiarity with spectroscopy, direct imaging and ground-based observing. Proficiency with astronomical software and data reduction techniques. Must be able to contribute to scientific research programs using Gemini. Must be able and willing to travel internationally and work in a culturally diverse
environment.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands as described in the Adaptive Optics Scientist Job Description are representative of those 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.

The work of an Adaptive Optics Scientist is mostly carried out in an office environment near sea level. Long periods of sitting may be required.  

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 and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope 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. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws.

The international Gemini Observatory, part of the NSF’s NOIRLab, has two openings for Science Fellow positions to perform research and support scientific operations. One position is located at the Gemini North (GN) Observatory in Hilo, Hawai’i and another at the Gemini South (GS) Observatory in La Serena, Chile. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at Gemini Observatory. Our managing organization, AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, develops and supports programs that advance our commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp.

We seek an individual who thrives in a culturally diverse environment. Science Fellow positions are split 50/50 between research and observatory operational support work. Science Fellows at Gemini acquire significant training and experience in large ground-based telescope operations—becoming proficient both in state-of-the-art astronomical instrumentation and research, and in the techniques of modern, queue-based observing methods. Each successful applicant will have demonstrated research productivity, and possess the motivation and ability to identify and carry out new projects while assisting in the day-to-day operations of the observatory. They will also possess excellent teamwork skills in order to work collaboratively with Gemini staff and scientists in our international community, and participate in observatory committees and external scientific organizations.

Cover letter with CV that describes interest in this position and relevant experience, a research statement on most important research contributions, future plans and any observatory support interests (up to 3 pages) along with a list of 3 professional references with contact information required for full consideration.

Application deadline:  November 1st, 2020.

The successful candidate will be hired as a Science Fellow in the Gemini Science Fellow non-tenure track, depending on the skills and experience of the successful applicant. AURA provides a generous compensation package including health coverage, paid vacation leave, parental leave and retirement benefits.

Activities and Functions of the Job:

In this position, you will be:

• Conducting independent research in any area of astronomy. 
• Preparing and presenting scientific papers at astronomical meetings and symposia. 
• Providing science support of instrumentation, telescope sub-systems, and facility.
• Preparing nightly queue observing plans and executing queue-based observations for other astronomers in the Gemini communities.
• Supporting Gemini users with specification of their observing program using Gemini tools, and introducing visiting observers to the telescope and instruments.
• Conducting tests, calibration, and maintenance and developing documentation of new and existing astronomical equipment, including control and data acquisition systems.
• Participating in development activities related to instrumentation and support facilities.

Training will be provided in these functions where needed.

Required Education/ Experience/ Skills/ Abilities:

We seek an individual with a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy or related discipline. Our telescopes and instruments specialize in optical and in IR astronomy. Therefore, we are looking for a person with experience using optical/IR observations, analyzing data and producing and publishing science results. We expect you to have a demonstrated ability to perform independent research in optical/IR astronomy. The job requires you to work in a culturally diverse environment, and sometimes to travel internationally. It is important to have good communication skills since you will have to communicate with a wide variety of staff, visiting observers and remote investigators throughout the Gemini partnership.

Preferred Education/ Experience/ Skills/ Abilities:

Given Gemini Observatory’s telescopes and instrument capabilities, the following experiences are valued: Experience using and/or developing optical/IR telescopes and/or instrumentation and/or Adaptive Optics capabilities. Experience with working closely with engineering teams during science commissioning of astronomical instrumentation. The job will often require you to work with people from other disciplinary teams. Therefore it will be good if you have a demonstrated ability to perform well in a diverse multidisciplinary team to solve problems and issues. At the same time, it is important that you can work independently when necessary.

Physical Demands:

The work of a Gemini Science Fellow is mostly carried out in an office environment near sea level. Long periods of sitting may be required. You will be expected to perform night time duties as well as day time, working to a prearranged schedule. Given the international nature of the observatory, you may also need to travel, and occasional work at high elevation (Maunakea, 4200m; Cerro Pachon, 2700m) may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities or other considerations to perform the essential functions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those 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.

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

The Gemini Observatory is part of the NSF’s NOIRLab and is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), 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 and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope 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. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws.

NSF’s NOIRLab is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral fellowship focused on data-intensive science with the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) at NOIRLab’s 4m Blanco Telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO). The position is for two years, with a third year possible depending on performance and availability of funds. The position carries a scientific personal research funding allowance.

The successful candidate will pursue a scientific research program based on DECam observing and data mining, and will collaborate with other NOIRLab scientists and engineers to implement new software infrastructure for management, processing, and distribution of wide-field imaging data. We are especially interested in candidates with experience and interests in the areas of time-domain astronomy, multi-messenger astrophysics, Galactic and extragalactic astrophysics research using large databases, and automated image processing. Candidates are also encouraged to explore scientific and technical synergies between DECam and the forthcoming Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) to be conducted at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

This position is hosted by NOIRLab’s Community Science and Data Center (CSDC), and can be based in either Tucson, AZ or La Serena, Chile (candidates should indicate their preferred location in their application). The successful applicant will have extensive opportunities for collaboration with CSDC staff as well as with staff at CTIO and throughout NOIRLab. Funds will be available to support the Fellow’s personal scientific research.

NOIRLab is the US national center for ground-based optical and infrared astronomy. In addition to CSDC and CTIO, NOIRLab includes Kitt Peak National Observatory and Gemini Observatory, along with the future operations of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

A Ph.D in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field is required. Interested candidates should submit a CV, a statement of research interests, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For best consideration, please apply by 31 October 2020. The position is available immediately, with a start date as late as 30 June 2021 being negotiable.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those 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.

The work is mostly carried out in an office environment. Long periods of sitting and usage of computers may be required. Given the international nature of NOIRLab, you may need to travel to the various observatory sites (Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i) and other locations for business purposes.

****Most NOIRLab staff work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will interview and screen candidates virtually. Offers of employment can be extended and new hires can on-board virtually and may be able to work remotely until it is safe to report to our Tucson offices. Relocation benefits will be available to those eligible when travel can be supported.****

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

 AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA 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  

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 and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope 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. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. 

NSF’s NOIRLab has an immediate opening for a Scientific Programmer at the International Gemini Observatory. The successful candidate will join our international team operating two of the world’s premier ground-based telescopes in Hawaii and Chile.  We are looking for a talented individual to become part of the Science User Support Department at either Gemini North in Hilo, Hawaii or Gemini South in La Serena, Chile.  This is a fixed-term 3-year position with the possibility of extension.

NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) and is the US national center for ground-based night-time astronomy. Principally sponsored by the National Science Foundation, NOIRLab operates and provides services across a range of Observatory Programs (including Gemini Observatory) with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i.  

The Scientific Programmer will join the Science User Support Department, to develop Python software to support Gemini’s principal investigators in their production of world-class scientific results in a timely manner.  In the era of multi-messenger astronomy, Gemini is developing DRAGONS (Data Reduction for Astronomy from Gemini Observatory North and South), a software suite to provide reliable, automatic reductions of science data.  This position also provides support and maintains existing, installed software used in Operations.

The ideal candidate should be a motivated self-starter who can manage multiple projects and priorities. The position requires close interaction with team members located at both Gemini North and Gemini South.

Essential Functions:

• Contributes to the development, testing, and optimization of the DRAGONS (Data Reduction for Astronomy from Gemini Observatory North and South) core infrastructure and scientific algorithms used to assess the quality of data as it is being obtained, reduces that data for rapid access by a transient follow-up system, and provides end-users with a flexible tool to make customizable non-standard reductions.
• Applies knowledge of astronomical concepts and techniques to the design, development, documentation, and deployment or release of data processing software for all facility instruments.
• Follows a rigorous software development cycle from requirements and design documentation, coding standards, test driven development, and the application of quality control and configuration control methodology.
• Writes clear technical documentation for two different audiences: end-users and developers.
• Provides support and tutorials to external and internal users of the Gemini astronomical data reduction software.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of continuous integration test platform.

Other Functions:

• Acts as a consultant to external instrument developers as they develop data reduction software for DRAGONS and assist in the integration, testing, and deployment of that software.
• Through testing of the Operations software, helps maintain astronomical data reduction and pipeline software installations at Gemini North and Gemini South.
• Contributes to the preparations of public releases of the Gemini astronomical data reduction software.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of the Python-based Gemini data archive.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Master’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science or related field is required; a PhD degree is preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of UNIX/Linux, Python, and Object-Oriented principles with at least two years of experience developing Python packages for public distribution is required.
• Experience working as part of a team on a significant python software package is strongly desired.
• Experience performing astronomical data reduction for scientific publication is required.
• Experience providing support, especially in the area of data reduction, to users of astronomical facilities is required.
• Fluency in English is essential.
• Requires attention to detail, especially in developing, documenting, and testing of scientific processing software and infrastructure software.
• Must possess excellent troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to write clear technical documentation and communicate effectively with a diverse community of scientific software users and developers is essential.
• Must be able to handle the conflicting demands of development and operations support.
• Must be able to work in a geographically distributed team environment.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Bilingual capability in Spanish, Portuguese, French, or Korean is preferred.
• Familiarity with the Software Development Life Cycle is desirable. 
• Independence, the ability to embrace challenge, and a sense of curiosity will aid in the successful completion of the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those 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.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess – sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the United States and Chile.
• Given the international nature of NOIRLab, occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet).  

If you would like to apply for this opportunity, please submit your CV/Resume along with a Cover Letter in English (PDF files preferred). The Cover Letter should relate your education and experience to the requirements of the position and include a link (e.g. to a GitHub repository) to a sample of Python code that showcases your ability and illustrates your relevant skills.

Also, kindly provide contact information of 3 professional references in your application, as references will be contacted later in the recruiting process. 

For full consideration please submit your application by November 30, 2020. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastnameDocname. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to [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 

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

AURA offers competitive salaries based on market rates and a generous package of benefits.  

** NOIRLab has all staff working virtually during the COVID-19 crisis. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will continue to interview and screen candidates in this new virtual landscape. Offers of employment can be extended and arrangements may be made for remote work. Relocation benefits will be available to those eligible when travel can be supported.

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 and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope 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. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws.