Rubin Observatory Observing Specialist; Research Associate

Rubin Observatory Observing Specialist (Research Associate)

Job

6554

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

** SLAC Job Postings*
* The Vera

C. Rubin Observatory is a cutting edge astronomical facility in Chile that is now in operations with staff distributed across multiple sites, one of which is SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Rubin Observatory will undertake the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) which will be one of the largest and most comprehensive astronomy surveys of its kind. Rubin will enable countless discoveries in almost every area of modern astronomical research
¿ discoveries made possible by the team that built the Rubin Observatory system, and by the global science community that Rubin Observatory serves. SLAC was the lead lab for construction of the LSST Camera, and is continuing to provide scientific and technical support for LSSTCam during Rubin survey operations as one of the two labs partnering in Rubin operations (along with NSF NOIRLab).

SLAC is also the host laboratory for the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration.

More generally, SLAC has a broad and vibrant scientific program in fundamental physics, with current research topics including cosmic survey science, cosmic microwave background, direct dark matter searches, proton collider physics and neutrino physics, as well as theoretical and computational physics. SLAC and Stanford are partners in the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, which hosts a broad program in astrophysics.

SLAC invites you to apply for a 4-year postdoctoral research associate position at Rubin Observatory and SLAC. For the first two years, after a brief training period at SLAC, you will be an
¿ Observing Specialist
¿ in Chile, working in a diverse team to operate the Simonyi Survey Telescope and LSST Camera, with skills including understanding software scripts and conducting hands-on technical work and image diagnostics, with a common duty of operating the Rubin instrumentation during nighttime. You will then spend the remaining two years at SLAC, exploiting the deep understanding of the Rubin system that you will have gained to carry out a program of cutting edge cosmology research.

The term of your position will be a very exciting time for Rubin Observatory, making this a truly unique opportunity to join the operations team that will make Rubin reach its ground-breaking science goals.

** Your responsibilities will include the following:*
* + Learning how to control and operate a wide variety of systems that make up the Rubin Observatory including the Simonyi Survey Telescope and its single instrument, LSSTCam, the calibration systems, and more.

+ Night-time operation of the primary Simonyi Survey Telescope and the auxiliary calibration telescope, Aux Tel, including troubleshooting of both the hardware and software, and prompt assessment of environmental conditions, optical performance, image quality, and general system performance.

+ Carrying out, in 50% of your time averaged over the term, a program of original cosmology and astrophysics research as a member of the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration (LSST DESC).

** To be successful in this position you will bring:*
* + A recent Ph.D. in astronomy or physics (or the expectation that you will receive the degree prior to starting your appointment).

+ Including your thesis work, at least 3 years of research experience involving at least one of the following:

+ Hands-on observing at optical or infrared astronomical observing facilities, or comparable laboratory activity;

+ Reduction and analysis of astronomical imaging data;

+ Development and/or execution of data analysis or instrumentation projects in wide field optical survey cosmology.

+ Familiarity with ticket-based work management systems such as Jira, and high level software scripting knowledge in Python (preferred) or equivalent.

+ Organizational and communication skills, with the ability to learn quickly and convey complex technical concepts effectively with a diverse population, such that you are able to work productively in a multinational team.

+ Dependability, flexibility, and willingness to take the initiative.

+ Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research, collaborating closely with colleagues working both locally and remotely.

** Applying for these positions, you should know that:*
* We are looking for someone enthusiastic with a desire to learn and experiment in a highly supportive and collaborative environment. A research mentor on the faculty or staff at KIPAC will support you throughout your four-year term, helping you develop your research program, establish and maintain good strong connections to the collaboration, and capitalize on your observatory experience. While in Chile, you will be a member of a 10-person Observing Specialist team working the same observing shift rotation but with (on average) 20% of your time available for research.

This 20% should provide ample time to contribute to DESC working…