Queue Observer

The MMT Observatory (MMTO) seeks a Queue Observer (Laboratory Coordinator III) to join the MMTO team to support the nighttime operations of a modern world-class optical/infrared astronomical observatory. The MMTO, a joint venture of The University of Arizona and the Smithsonian Institution, operates a 6.5-meter telescope located on the summit of Mt. Hopkins (elevation 8550 ft), approximately 40 miles south of Tucson, AZ. Additional details regarding the telescope and its instrumentation can be found at http://mmto.org

The MMTO uses queue-based service observing that takes advantage of state-of-the-art instruments to deliver high quality data to our users. We are seeking a detail-oriented individual to join the nighttime operations team as the third Queue Observer. This position is based on the summit of Mt. Hopkins with an official duty station at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO) basecamp at 670 Mt. Hopkins Rd in Amado, AZ.

Most of the duties for this position will take place during nighttime observing shifts at the telescope where the Queue Observer will operate the instrument and collect data based on an observing schedule. Depending on the observing conditions, the Queue Observer may need to make on-the-fly decisions to alter that observing schedule. The Queue Observer will work alongside a Telescope Operator who will monitor and run the telescope and observatory infrastructure during observing. The observing time will be split with two other Queue Observers and, as such, the position will require a somewhat flexible work schedule that will include roughly every other weekend and some holidays. The observing shifts will consist of a few to several nights in a row followed by a few to several nights off. An example of a Queue Observer schedule can be found under the “Assistant” column on the MMT schedule posted at: https://scheduler.mmto.arizona.edu/schedule_table.php