PAN-STARRS OBSERVER – ID# 226307

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

PAN-STARRS OBSERVER – ID# 226307.

CLOSING DATE: June 16, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES:  Richard Wainscoat 8088-956-8429 (Maui). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Institute for Astronomy (IfA), located in Pukalani, Maui. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE:  $6,500 - $8,500/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Responsible for safe and efficient night time operations of the Pan-STARRS observatory, telescopes, cameras, and auxiliary systems.  Operates the Pan-STARRS Observatory remotely from the Pan-STARRS Remote Operations Center at the IfA’s Advanced Technology Research Center (ATRC) facility in Pukalani, Maui or as needed on site at the Observatory near the summit of Haleakala. Responsible for real-time remote observations, real-time scheduling decisions based on current conditions, and scientific and programmatic goals of the Pan-STARRS program.  May also be required to schedule and carry out remote observations on other Telescopes in support of Pan-STARRS science programs, and must understand the scientific objectives of the program and how to meet those goals with the scheduling and operations software and observatory hardware.  Responsible for on-going analysis, interpretation, evaluation of data and reporting of results.  Requires remote operation and execution of scientific programs on other telescopes including other telescopes on Haleakala and Maunakea in support of the Pan-STARRS program.  Uses a wide variety of software tools for remote observations, scheduling, fault logging, calibration and reporting.  Aids in calibration efforts, prepares observing schedules for the night shift, and ensures the readiness of the Observatory to operate on any given night of the year. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Astronomy, Physics, or Engineering.  (Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Astronomy, Physics, or Engineering plus two (2) years of experience as a telescope operator or observing assistant at a major observatory may substitute for a Master’s Degree.

EXPERIENCE

Five to seven (5-7) years of experience as a telescope operator or observing assistant at a major observatory, or extensive observational experience as a professional Astronomer. Experience with the mechanical, electrical, and optical systems of telescopes and their control. Must have some hands-on experience with diverse mechanical, electrical, optical, cryogenic systems and software systems. Some technical experience with mechanical, electrical, and optical systems, experience with control software, some knowledge of major software computer languages and operating systems (Linux, windows, common programming languages). Experience with real-time control systems. Must have broad experience with computers, telescope control systems, telescope operations, and instruments. Experience with a variety of scientific instruments. Must have the observational experience and willingness to contribute to Pan-STARRS commissioning efforts prior to the start of the Pan-STARRS Mission. Experience with large telescopes and Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) imaging devices.

KNOWLEDGE

Basic knowledge of positional astronomy and observatory operations.  Basic understanding of meteorological forecasting, atmospheric seeing, and image quality.  Background in observational astronomy, operational experience with large telescopes, knowledge of positional astronomy, basic physics, optics, mechanics.  Knowledge of safe practices at an Observatory and the operation of cryogenic cameras.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Demonstrated skills in operating a two (2) meter class telescope or larger for scientific purposes.  Must have intuitive grasp of positional astronomy and telescope operations.  Must be level-headed, calm, and comfortable working alone in an isolated mountain environment.  Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai’i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to lift and carry up to forty (40) pounds unassisted. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to work at 10,000 feet and pass a post offer high-altitude medical examination.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings.  Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). 

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:    

PhD from an accredited college or university in Astronomy, Physics, or Engineering. Experience scheduling astronomical observations. Experience with astronomical surveys. Experience working with night time Observers, technical and scientific staff. Experience with diverse computer languages including any of C, Java, Python, and Perl. Experience with CORBA or EPICS highly desirable. Experience with maintenance of large telescopes, domes and enclosures. Experience with management of UNIX computers, including clustered systems. Experience with astronomical data formats, data-reduction pipelines, and data representations. Any computer systems administration experience. Experience with relational databases, including mySQL. A personal scientific interest in the Pan-STARRS data products, the Pan-STARRS Science Goals, and in precision astrometry and photometry.