Scientist

We invite applications for a NOIRLab science staff position to conduct scientific research and support the mission of NOIRLab. The position is based in La Serena, Chile. Candidates working in all areas of astronomy research will be considered. Researchers with expertise in instrumentation, spectroscopy, infrared astronomy, time-domain astrophysics, wide-field imaging, observatory operations, and/or technology development are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will provide operational, developmental, and/or community support for the Mid-Scale Observatories in Chile (SOAR and CTIO).

The successful candidate will be part of a faculty of more than 75 research scientists and astronomers at NOIRLab that is engaged in a wide range of astronomical investigations. The appointment will be made for the Scientist track at the Assistant or Associate level, depending on the profile and experience of the candidate. Staff on the Scientist track engage in service activities that are strongly aligned with their interests; these activities both strengthen NOIRLab capabilities as well as enable innovations in community research.  Scientist track staff spend 80% of their time on service activities and have 20% of their time for independent research. NOIRLab staff are encouraged to pursue synergies between their service work and research goals, and to become active scientific stakeholders in the success of the telescopes, instruments, software, analysis tools, and data systems they develop and support. 

SOAR is a 4m telescope located on Cerro Pachón - La Serena, Chile. With excellent image quality, it is equipped with several instruments, including optical and near-infrared spectrographs and imagers, and a Ground Layer Adaptive Optics system. In Cerro Tololo, the 4m Blanco telescope operates the optical Dark Energy Camera (DECam) and the near-infrared NEWFIRM wide-field imagers. Both telescopes will have an important complementary role during Rubin’s LSST operations, including rapid response to transient events. 

The essential service functions include assisting users of the SOAR and/or Blanco telescopes in defining their observing programs, introducing observers to the telescope and instruments, developing documentation for software and astronomical equipment as needed, and participating in calibration and testing of instrumentation and telescope subsystems. Additional service functions may include participation in the development of new capabilities for these telescopes.

NOIRLab recognizes the excellence that diversity brings to our research, operations, and community support. We continually seek to broaden participation on our staff and strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. All NOIRLab staff are funded to spend up to 3% of their time on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) activities of their own initiative or as part of existing NOIRLab programs.

Requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, or a closely related field and at least two years of research or instrumentation/observatory experience post-PhD.
• Fluency in English is required; bilingual capability in Spanish is an asset.

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 computer usage may be required.
• Travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.

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/

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 

To Apply:

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by December 23, 2024.

To apply, please submit:

(1) A Cover Letter describing your interest in the position and related experience, including any specific support interests.

(2) Curriculum Vitae or resume with a bibliography.

(3) Statement summarizing your most important research contributions and proposed program of research at NOIRLab.

Please limit the research statement to 3 pages, and submit all documents as PDF files, named with the following format: Lastname_Docname.pdf (where Docname is CoverLetter, CV or Resume, or Statement). 

Please also append a list of 3 professional references, with contact information, to your Cover Letter.  References will be contacted at a later stage in the recruitment.

We welcome questions about the position and application process. Please contact Kathy Vivas (kathy.vivas@noirlab.edu) or John Blakeslee (john.blakeslee@noirlab.edu).

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.

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.