Scientific Staff Positions, Astronomer/scientist

NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. 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. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center that operates as a matrix organization with approximately 400 employees providing services across a range of programs: Gemini Observatory, Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Mid-Scale Observatory (Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory and Kitt Peak National Observatory), and the Community Science and Data Center.

Staff on the Astronomer track are expected to carry out a vigorous astronomical research program commensurate with attaining tenure at a major university. Those appointed to the “scientist” track are also expected to engage in forefront research projects; their contributions may be over a wide range of areas involving participation in and enabling research in astronomy/astrophysics, planetary science, or a related field, including technical and/or educational areas that support the broader goals of NOIRLab.

Gemini Observatory and NOIRLab recognize the excellence that diversity brings to our research, operations, and community support. We continually seek to broaden participation on our staff and strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. All NOIRLab staff are funded to spend up to 3% of their time on DEI activities of their own initiative or as part of existing NOIRLab programs.

**REQUIREMENTS**

Minimum Requirements: PhD in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, or a closely related field, and at least two years of research experience post-PhD. Fluency in English is required; bilingual capability in Spanish, Portuguese, French, or Korean is an asset.

**COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS**

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. AURA provides a generous compensation package including health coverage, paid vacation leave, parental leave, home leave for expatriates in Chile, and retirement contributions.

**_AURA offers a mix-model workspace (office & virtual) and stimulating environments for all._**

**TO APPLY**

To apply, please submit: (1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and related experience, including any specific support interests; (2) a curriculum vitae or résumé with a bibliography; and (3) a statement summarizing your most important research contributions and proposed program of research at NOIRLab. Please limit the research statement to 3 pages (plus references), and submit all documents as PDF files, named with the following format**: Lastname_Docname.pdf **(where Docname is CoverLetter, CV or Resume, or Statement). Please also append a list of 3 professional references, with contact information, to your Cover Letter. References will be contacted at a later stage in the recruitment.

**COVID-19 Policy Update**:AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated, unless qualified for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons. All new employees will be required to comply with this policy and will be required to present proof of full vaccination or submit a completed request (including supporting documents, if applicable) for an exemption at least five (5) business days prior to their start of employment. Individuals who fail to meet this deadline may have their employment start date delayed.

***The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.**

**Qualifications**:
Education

**Preferred**
- PHD or better in Astronomy.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charg