Science Operation Specialist

NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

A **Science Operations Specialist (SOS)** position is available at the NOIRLab Telescope Operations division, to work with the International Gemini Observatory - South (La Serena, Chile). An SOS is a member of the Telescope Operations team and performs a number of essential duties in the Observatory’s operation. The tasks fall in four main areas: (1) Telescope operation, (2) Queue observing, (3) Daytime quality assessment, instrument calibration and software testing and (4) Project work: specialized work in line with observatory goals and mission; assigned by management. This position does not include personal research.

The Gemini South telescope is largely operated from the base facility in La Serena, but occasionally duties may take place at the summit of Cerro Pachón, at an altitude of about 2700m. La Serena is a popular seaside town with a population of about 200,000, has a temperate climate, and a substantial international astronomical community.

The **SOS essential job duties** include the following:

- Operates the telescope, instruments and computer systems during night-time and day-time science and engineering use.
- Performs queue observing and assists visiting and staff scientists and engineers in their use of telescope, instruments and computer systems.
- Evaluates the quality of scientific data and provides operational, technical and archival support for data handling.
- Works independently on special projects aligned with Observatory goals.
- Is responsible for the safety of the personnel, telescope and instruments while working at night.

**Job Requirements**:

- Must be prepared to work night shifts.
- Must be prepared to be responsible for the safety of people and equipment while working at night.
- Must possess organizational and communication skills as well as the ability to learn quickly. Must be fluent in English, while command of the Spanish language is an advantage.
- 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.
- Ability to work productively in a multinational team.
- A good working knowledge of PyRAF/IRAF, Python, and the Unix/Linux operating system is preferred.
- Requires prior experience in operation of large telescope.
- Requires a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and the ability to drive 4WD vehicles.

**Education Required**:
A Bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, computer science, engineering or closely related field is required; a Masters is preferred, particularly if it included observing experience.

**Other Requirements**:
All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.

Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system

**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 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 compu