Adaptive Optics Support Scientist

The Adaptive Optics (AO) Support Scientist is responsible for the operational readiness, performance, and optimization of the Daniel K Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) AO and other wavefront correction (WFC) systems. The AO Support Scientist performs analysis of AO telemetry and other data to gauge and improve system performance. The AO Support Scientist supports users of the AO and WFC systems in their efforts to obtain high resolution observations of the sun. Users include the operations staff, including the Science Operations Specialists (SOS), Resident Astronomers (RA), and Engineering support staff. The AO Support Scientist provides operational guidance and training as needed. A short-term goal is to improve efficient and independent operation of the WFC systems by the SOS team. The AO Support Scientist suggests improvements to WFC systems. The AO Support Scientist participates in new developments and upgrades such as the Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics System (MCAO), Ground-Layer AO, Prominence AO and equipment to monitor atmospheric conditions.

Essential Functions:

• Ensure operability and performance of AO and WFC systems.
• Provide support to users of WFC systems.
• Performance analysis, performance tracking and optimization of AO and other WFC systems.
• Support instrument and technical operations teams
• Diagnose problems through telemetry and science data analysis and support resolution.
• Publish and present results at relevant conferences.
• Work with SOS and instrument team to maintain and update as needed documentation, including maintenance and operational manuals.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• PhD degree in physics, astronomy or other relevant field
• A minimum of 3 years of experience with testing and commissioning of adaptive optics systems and instrument systems in general.
• Experience in quantitative assessment of AO system performance
• Ability to resolve technical problems by application of general engineering, scientific, or mathematical techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute test procedures for complex optical systems.
• Able to communicate effectively with team members and other engineers and scientists.
• Fluent in scientific scripting languages, e.g. Python, IDL, Matlab, etc.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of solar adaptive optics systems
• Experience and interest in DKIST related observational research and science analysis
• Experience with formal systems engineering processes.
• Proven capability to lead small teams of scientists and engineers.

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 contiguous United States. Frequent travel between Boulder and Maui, and occasionally Tucson will be required.
• Ability to work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather

Salary Range: $75,428 - $116,914. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

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/ 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by February 9, 2024. 

Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, 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 [email protected]. 
• 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 [email protected]