Science Operations Specialist

AURA and the National Solar Observatory are hiring for a Science Operations Specialist (SOS) who will be responsible for a number of essential duties in science operations including the following: operate the telescope, adaptive optics system, instruments and computer systems during day-time operations. On occasions, it will be required to support night-time science and/or engineering functions; working in close collaboration with science staff perform service mode observing; assist visiting and staff scientists and engineers in their use of telescope, instruments and computer systems; perform initial quality assessment and assurance of scientific data and provide operational, technical and archival support for data handling.

The SOS also participates in the preparation of the Observatory for operations, including inspections, systems move testing and instrument optics preparation. The SOS can be requested to perform beta testing of, e.g., software systems, participate in training and gain proficiency of relevant DKIST operations systems.

 Essential Functions:

• Prepare the Observatory for operations (inspections, systems startup, configuring instruments).
• Operate the telescope, adaptive optics and instrument systems as required.
• Support and assist operations with troubleshooting as required.
• Assist scientists and staff with observing and data collection for scientific use.
• Monitor the data flow from the DKIST instruments.
• Monitor and verify daily weather and seeing conditions; at the guidance of scientists augment the observing plan as needed based on the conditions.
• Monitor weather conditions which impact safety of the equipment; be in communication with and work closely with the Duty Engineer to assist with closing the facility as deemed necessary.
• Be mindful of safety of personnel and equipment while on duty. Be able to work with and communicate clearly with the Duty Engineer and Safety Officer on the summit.
• Report system errors or maintenance needs.
• Maintain Science Operations logs and reports.
• Create and update procedures for Science Operations.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned.

 Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• A bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, computer science, engineering or related field is required. A degree in Physics and/or Astronomy is desirable. University Degree or equivalent can be partially satisfied with comparable work experience
• Ability to understand the principles and functions of astronomical telescopes, adaptive optics systems, instruments and observational data.
• After a period of training must achieve proficiency in operating observatory systems and instruments, including computer systems, software tools, and some facility systems.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must possess organizational and communication skills as well as the ability to learn quickly. Must be reliable, dependable, and flexible – excellent attendance and commitment to work scheduled shifts is necessary.
• Must be a self-learner and self-starter; requires above-average initiative. Requires outstanding judgment and ability to communicate firmly when issues of safety of personnel or the telescope are apparent.
• Must be able to handle multiple priorities under a high-level of pressure.
• Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle and possess a clean driving record.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Familiarity with common astronomical and solar terminology and an intermediate level knowledge of astronomy.
• Ability to learn optical and infrared imaging and spectroscopy observing and data processing techniques.
• Knowledge and familiarity with Unix-based operating systems, as well as good proficiency with a variety of computing systems (Mac OS, Windows 10, Linux).
• Experience in ground-based observing, or similar observing experience.
• IDL and/or Python programming experience.
• Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite and Google’s G-Suite.

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, ability to differentiate colors, 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
• There will be occasional working at height utilizing PPE.
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.
• Ability to work at 10,000’ elevation on consecutive days, sometimes during inclement weather.

Please submit your application by September 8, 2023 for full consideration.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at [email protected]

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

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/

Consistent with the actions of the Biden Administration, as of 12 May 2023, AURA will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination of its employees in the U.S. AURA employees in the U.S. may be subject to COVID-19 vaccination requirements from other entities, such as host institutions or partner affiliations.