The NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NSF’s NOIR Lab) program has an opening for an Observing Assistant or Associate to join the Observing Support Team at Kitt Peak National Observatory. The role provides fundamental support for astronomers using the Mayall 4m and WIYN 3.5m telescopes and is responsible for making scientific and technical decisions to maximize the scientific yield.
Requirements
- Conducts a walk-through of the facility prior to operations to verify the integrity of automatic systems, safety, and to inspect for unreported failures.
- Carries out safety briefings for on-site observers.
- Acts as the Kitt Peak safety watch 4pm until sunrise
- Operates the telescope at night for the observing astronomers, evaluates suitability of weather conditions for observing and continued operation, monitors telescope and instrument performance, and tracks data quality.
- Verbally communicates clearly and effectively with on-site and remote observers operating the instruments during nightly operations.
- Provides clear and accurate reports concerning technical, safety or facilities problems, and for initial troubleshooting, workarounds or solutions implemented.
- Assists technical and engineering staff with verification of proper telescope and instrument performance.
- Provides basic services including supplying and requisitioning gases and cryogenic liquids, upkeep of consumable material stocks, maintaining on-line documentation, coordination of observing logs and observing statistics.
- May assist daytime technical staff with instrument installation, maintenance or preparation for observing operations; becomes familiar with data acquisition techniques and rudimentary data quality assessment.
- Participates in emergency medical training to at least First Responder level, learns to man the fire response station and how to run the ambulance and fire truck.
- Takes appropriate action with site safety and emergency procedures.
- Reports possible snow or obstructions on observatory road to Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) as necessary.
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan contributions
