Staff Astronomer

The Carnegie Institution for Science is looking to make a staff astronomer appointment in instrumentation at its Observatories in Pasadena, California. We are seeking outstanding candidates with demonstrated experience designing and building optical/infrared instruments for large telescopes. This position may be filled at any level and we encourage both junior and senior candidates to apply.

Carnegie's observing facilities include the twin 6.5-meter Magellan telescopes, the 2.5-meter du Pont telescope and the 1.0-meter Swope telescope, all at Las Campanas, Chile. Carnegie is also a member of SDSS IV. The Carnegie Institution is a leading partner in the Giant Magellan Telescope, a 25-meter class telescope currently scheduled for first light in 2022.

The Carnegie instrument group is entering the critical design phase for the front end optical relay and fiber feed system for the Giant Magellan Telescope Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF), the first light science instrument for the 25-meter GMT. We are developing the conceptual design of the GMT Commissioning Camera, which in addition to serving a fundamental commissioning role will enable wide and narrow band imaging science. The instrument group is also doing engineering studies toward the construction of a wide-field, multi-object near infrared spectrograph for the 6.5-meter Magellan Baade telescope. We are also engaged in upgrade activities that span multiple existing instruments as well as telescope subsystems for all of Carnegie's facilities at Las Campanas Observatory. Carnegie maintains a machine shop and has an engineering staff available to assist with instrument projects.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, bibliography, and a statement outlining the candidate's experience and interests. Applications must be received by January 13, 2017 and should be submitted online at https://jobs2.obs.carnegiescience.edu/Instrumentalist. Applicants who would like more information about these positions or have questions about the application process should send email to [email protected]. The Carnegie Institution for Science is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from women and members of all minority groups.