Telescope Scientist/Engineer
Posting Number: req20725
Department: Large Binocular Telescope Obs
Location: Main Campus
Address: Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The Large Binocular Telescope Observatory (LBTO) is among the most powerful optical/infrared telescopes in the world, with two 8.4m-diameter mirrors on a single mount, located on the summit of Mount Graham near Safford, Arizona. The observatory features a sophisticated suite of instruments for optical and infrared imaging and spectroscopy, supported by innovative adaptive optics technologies. The LBT is driving discoveries for cosmic sources ranging from exoplanets around nearby stars, to some of the most distant galaxies in the universe. The observatory is operated by an international consortium of leading research institutions and functions administratively as part of the University of Arizona, with offices in Tucson.The Observatory seeks a Telescope Scientist/Engineer who provides leadership in optimizing and enhancing the performance of the Large Binocular Telescope for enabling forefront science. This individual works with a team of scientists and engineers in addressing complex challenges and use of new technologies in applications that may include alignment and collimation of optical components, active optics control, instrument integration with the telescope, environmental control affecting telescope performance and image quality, or use of metrology, telemetry, and image analysis to assess telescope performance and inform control strategies.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
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Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop tools and metrics for telescope performance in relation to science data quality and quantity.
- Carry out work independently while using innovation and creativity to address complex requirements, with considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches.
- Monitor telescope performance, identify needs and opportunities for improvement in consultation with Science Operations staff.
- Identify actionable opportunities through development of new approaches and methods.
- Work with engineering, software, and mountain operations staff to define strategies to diagnose problems, implement solutions, and enhance telescope performance.
- Provide documentation and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, which may include the LBT Board, in order to achieve buy-in for new approaches.
- Provide leadership in working with technical and scientific staff in developing new approaches to telescope control and operation to benefit scientific data quality.
- Provide training as needed for technical staff on topics related to telescope design principles and operation.
- Maintain an independent program of original research, related to telescope/instrumentation design and performance, and/or astronomical science.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge at a high level of operational considerations for large research telescopes.
- Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline, or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- This position is based at the LBTO offices in
Tucson and requires periodic travel and work at the observatory site, located
at an elevation of 10,500 feet on Mt Graham
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters or Doctoral degree is preferred.
- Hands-on experience with optical components.
- Experience with analysis of astronomical data, optical design principles, control of optical or mechanical systems, or machine learning applied to telescope optimization or operation.
FLSA: Exempt
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40
Job FTE: 1.0
Work Calendar: Fiscal
Job Category: Research
Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay: $99,901-$129,871
Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
12
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Grade Range Minimum
$99901
Grade Range Midpoint
$129871
Grade Range Maximum
$159847
Career Stream and Level
PC4
Job Family
Research Engineering
Job Function
Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies: 1
Contact Information for Candidates
LBTO Director, Dr. Joseph Shields, jshields@lbto.org
Open Until Filled: Yes
Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter
Diversity Statement
At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
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