Support Scientist for Instrumentation

Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) invites applications for a support scientist position with emphasis on instrumentation.  LCO is a private, non-profit corporation, based in Santa Barbara, California.

LCO has built and operates a global network of telescopes with apertures from 40-cm to 2-m for time domain astronomy research and education. The instrumentation includes optical imagers and low-dispersion optical spectrographs.  A set of high-resolution high-stability optical spectrographs (NRES) is being deployed in the next year.  The network is used by an in-house science staff as well as collaborators at about a dozen partner institutions around the world, and the national communities of China, Chile, and the United States.  Areas of current research focus include supernovae and exotic transients, exoplanets, solar system objects, stellar astrophysics, and active galactic nuclei.

LCO seeks a scientist to help support the scientific programs of the network users, with responsibility for the operation and performance of the instrumentation, including data reduction.  20% of the successful candidate’s time will be available for his/her own research program, preferably using the capabilities of the LCO network.

The successful candidate will monitor data returned from the network sites, identify failures or poor performance associated with instrumentation, and assist in the diagnosis and repair.  Experience in troubleshooting, operation, and real time data analysis of astronomical instrumentation is essential.  Knowledge of detector systems, optics, and data reduction software is highly desired.  Opportunities to participate in development of new capabilities, including new instrumentation, will be available.  A PhD in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline is required.

Applications complete by January 15, 2017 will receive full consideration. The starting date for this position is March 1, 2017 or as soon thereafter as possible.  Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, publication list, description of relevant experience and research interests, and names of three professional references via email.

LCO is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer.  LCO is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity of our organization and the academic community.