SOAR Resident Science Fellow

NSF’s 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.

We invite applications for a NOIRLab postdoctoral position to support science operations at the Southern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) Telescope, and conduct independent scientific research. This position has been funded by the Brazilian government for a period of three years, with a possible extension for a fourth year. The position will be based in La Serena, Chile.

SOAR is a 4m telescope located on Cerro Pachón. 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.

Duties of the position are split approximately 50/50 between research and support of observatory operations, and include:

• General user support for the telescope and its instruments, which may emphasize an instrument or instruments used for the applicant’s research
• Participation in development projects together with other scientists and technical staff
• Observing support for Brazilian users of SOAR, and training for support staff at the Brazilian Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica (LNA)
• Carrying out a competitive program of independent scientific research using SOAR and other astronomical facilities

The post-doctoral fellow will spend most of their time working at the NOIRLab headquarters in La Serena, but must be able to work occasionally at the telescope, at an altitude of 2800m, and may also work nights at both locations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities or other considerations to perform the essential functions.

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.

Qualified Brazilian astronomers are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements:

• Recent doctorate in observational astronomy or closely related field
• Experience with acquiring and reducing astronomical data
• Excellent English-language communication skills

Desirable requirements:

• Bi-lingual or multi-lingual communication skills (English/Portuguese/Spanish)
• Experience with observatory operations
• Experience with instrumentation development or relevant laboratory experience

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.

Salaries for positions hired in Chile meet Chile national market rates and internal scales for AURA.

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/benefits-by-location/

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:

To apply, please submit: (1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and related experience, including any specific support interests, (2) a curriculum vitae or résumé with a bibliography; and (3) a 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.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 6, 2025.

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.