Magellan Support Astronomer

Las Campanas Observatory (LCO), Chile. This is a full time position based at LCO, Chile.

The Las Campanas Observatory of the Carnegie Institution for Science is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Support Astronomer to join our team. The successful candidate will be a member of a team responsible for providing support for in situ and remote operations of the Magellan telescopes. The Support Astronomer will work closely with the technical and scientific staff and other members of the community to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the telescopes and instruments.

The position is at Las Campanas Observatory, located 160 km north of La Serena.

Websites: http://www.lco.cl; https://obs.carnegiescience.edu and https://carnegiescience.edu

Job Description:

Responsibilities and task:

  • Assist with the Magellan telescopes scientific operations including telescope operations, calibration, and data reduction.
  • Maintain fast and fluent communications in English or Spanish with remote/visiting astronomers (international observers)
  • Provide technical and scientific support to astronomers at various stages of their runs.
  • Support, if necessary, in the diagnosis and resolution of problems that may arise during the operation.
  • Monitor and maintain a subset of the observatory hardware and software during night operations.
  • Track systems performance and observing efficiency.
  • Perform tests, analyze and interpret results.
  • Provide science and technical feedback to the daytime engineering team.
  • Collaborate occasionally in the installation of equipment, instruments, and accessories.
  • Participate in the elaboration and revision of observing and calibration procedures.
  • Occasionally handle cryogenic liquids.
  • Contribute to archiving of observatory data.

Requirements:

  • Astronomer, Master and/or PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, or related sciences.
  • Fluent oral and written English skills.
  • Professional experience in observational astronomy and astronomical data analysis.
  • Knowledge of astronomical software and data reduction techniques.
  • Experience with telescopes and astronomical instrumentation.

Skills/abilities:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Ability to work at 2300 meters.
  • Valid class B driver’s license.

LCO offices and administrative headquarters are located in the coastal resort city of La Serena, while the observatory facilities are located 160 km north of La Serena at the southern extremity of the Atacama desert in the Andes mountains.

Application Process:
Carnegie is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Complete job description is contained in this advertisement – no phone calls please. Email address for inquiries about job:

Only electronic applications submitted through our website will be considered. Thank you for submitting your application by clicking the "Apply Now" button below.
Please include the desired salary range in the application form.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by 15 May, 2023, when application review will begin. However, the position will remain open until filled. Only select candidates who meet our requirements will be contacted.

At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with a variety of viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply.

The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other protected group status.

Note: The hiring will be through a national contract in Chile, at the Las Campanas Observatory. Therefore, you must be able to be authorized to work in Chile (Chilean nationality, residence visa or visa subject to a work contract).

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