Telescope Operations Specialist

**Position is located at CHARA Array facility in Mt. Wilson, California **

The College of Arts & Sciences at Georgia State University is transforming lives through our research advances, career-empowering teaching, and work with community partners in Atlanta and around the globe.

As the largest college on the Atlanta Campus, the College of Arts and Sciences is home to more than 15,000 students, 550 faculty, and 300 staff members. Our faculty teach the core curriculum courses that serve as the foundation of nearly every student’s university education.

These are exciting times at The College of Arts and Sciences at Georgia State University. We are growing and we are thrilled that you are interested in being a part of our team. We are surrounded by individuals empowered to use their expertise and talents to achieve our mission of pursuing excellence.

The Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) at Georgia State University (GSU) is seeking applicants for a Telescope Operations Specialist.

WHAT MAKES College of Arts & Science A GREAT PLACE?

·     A flexible work environment

·     Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.

·     A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners.

·     Professional development opportunity and mentorship

·     A rapidly growing center within an academic setting

HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO

The ideal candidate for this position will operate the CHARA Array, an optical/infrared long-baseline interferometer at Mount Wilson Observatory (www.chara.gsu.edu).  The telescope operations specialist controls the telescopes and associated systems of the Array for night-time observation of astronomical objects. The work involves slewing the telescopes, locking the adaptive optics systems, monitoring the dome positions, beam alignment control, delay line control, and monitoring the performance of the beam combiners. It is a unique facility, and prospective applicants will require several weeks of training with CHARA staff.  This position requires year-round night-time work in the mountain-top environment of the Mount Wilson Observatory north of Los Angeles, California. The job schedule involves rotating weekend duty, occasional holiday work, and work during emergencies.

Disclaimer: This job requisition provides a high-level job definition. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive or exclusive list of job duties. As such, job duties and/or responsibilities within the context of this job requisition may change at the discretion the employee’s direct supervisor. 

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and five years of research experience; or High School diploma or GED and nine years of research experience; or a combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience with astronomical telescopes
• Experience with computer interfaces
• Be physically fit and able to work night-time hours;
• The ability to work independently and interact effectively with staff.