Rubin Observatory Postdoctoral Research

General Summary Description of Position: 

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a next-generation astronomical facility that will conduct the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), one of the largest and most comprehensive astronomy surveys ever undertaken. The 3-year postdoctoral research position combines a commissioning or operations role with postdoctoral research and is part of a flexible and dynamic team of scientists, engineers, and developers. 

This position is based in La Serena, Chile. The position is expected to last through construction (concluding 2025 with the expectation to extend the position through 1-2 years of early Operations. 

Essential Functions: 

• Commissions the Rubin Observatory, diagnosing and fixing issues in operation, and evaluating performance through analysis of telemetry, calibration, or on-sky data. 
• Understands various LSST science using cases and applying software engineering expertise to modify, extend, and update the Rubin image processing pipelines in response to emergent scientific needs, community requests, and bug reports. 
• Runs simulated scenarios and develops science-oriented metrics to understand the performance of the Rubin Observatory system; identifies problem areas that might cause Rubin to fall short of its scientific goals; and evaluates proposed changes to the image processing pipelines and algorithms. 
• Commissions the LSST Camera by operating it in calibration or normal imaging modes, diagnosing and fixing issues in operation, and evaluating performance through analysis of telemetry, calibration, or on-sky data. 
• Helps support the broad international scientific community of users through various communication channels (e.g., online Q&A forums, workshops, tutorials), and collaborates closely with staff across the Rubin operations teams to diagnose and respond to issues identified by the scientific community. 
• Carries out, in 25% of their time, a program developing a scientific or instrumentation study for Rubin Observatory following the 10-year LSST survey, or a program of original cosmological research in the Rubin Science Collaboration at large. 

Other Functions: 

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. 
• 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 recent Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics (or the expectation that they will receive the degree prior to starting their appointment). 
• At least 3 years of research experience involving at least one of the following:  
• Imaging or Astronomical Instrumentation or other relevant work with scientific apparatus. 
• Preparation for and/or execution of cosmological data analysis in a wide-field optical imaging survey. 
• Image quality characterization and assessment including PSF modeling. 
• Preparation for the LSST survey, including familiarity with Rubin software. 
• Verbal and written communication skills in English, and the ability to convey complex technical concepts effectively. 
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research, collaborating closely with colleagues working both locally and remotely. 
• Familiarity with scientific Python and collaborative development (including versioning, packaging, online documentation, etc). 
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population. 
• Must have a valid Driver’s License; clean driving record; ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle. 

Physical Requirements: 

The physical requirements 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. 
• Work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet).   
• For summit positions, consider: 1) Cerro Tololo: Able to climb stairs and work at 2,225 mts altitude; 2) Cerro Pachón: Ability to work at 2,713 meters altitude, sometimes during inclement weather. 
• Required to pass medical examination (post offer and potentially at specified intervals while employed, if medically necessary). 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by February 15, 2024.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume in English, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/ 

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. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.