Posting Number

req12711

Department

MMT Observatory

Department Website Link

http://mmto.org

Location

Outside of Tucson

Address

Amado, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The MMT Observatory (MMTO) seeks a Queue Observer (Laboratory Coordinator III) to join the MMTO team to support the nighttime operations of a modern world-class optical/infrared astronomical observatory. The MMTO, a joint venture of The University of Arizona and the Smithsonian Institution, operates a 6.5-meter telescope located on the summit of Mt. Hopkins (elevation 8550 ft), approximately 40 miles south of Tucson, AZ. Additional details regarding the telescope and its instrumentation can be found at http://mmto.org

The MMTO uses queue-based service observing that takes advantage of state-of-the-art instruments to deliver high quality data to our users. We are seeking a detail-oriented individual to join the nighttime operations team as the third Queue Observer. This position is based on the summit of Mt. Hopkins with an official duty station at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO) basecamp at 670 Mt. Hopkins Rd in Amado, AZ.

Most of the duties for this position will take place during nighttime observing shifts at the telescope where the Queue Observer will operate the instrument and collect data based on an observing schedule. Depending on the observing conditions, the Queue Observer may need to make on-the-fly decisions to alter that observing schedule. The Queue Observer will work alongside a Telescope Operator who will monitor and run the telescope and observatory infrastructure during observing. The observing time will be split with two other Queue Observers and, as such, the position will require a somewhat flexible work schedule that will include roughly every other weekend and some holidays. The observing shifts will consist of a few to several nights in a row followed by a few to several nights off. An example of a Queue Observer schedule can be found under the “Assistant” column on the MMT schedule posted at: https://scheduler.mmto.arizona.edu/schedule_table.php

The Queue Observer will have an extended vacation period of four to six weeks during the annual summer shutdown maintenance period (Jul/Aug). Depending on the instrument schedule, the Queue Observer may not be required during their scheduled observing run. Occasionally, some specific activities may require work at the MMTO’s University of Arizona campus labs or offices located in the Steward Observatory building.

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; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please visit talent.arizona.edu.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Carry out nighttime observations using the full suite of MMTO instruments including wide-field imagers, optical and near-infrared multi-object spectrographs, and fiber-fed optical spectrographs with robotic positioners.
• Operate the MMTO adaptive optics system.
• Select observing blocks to execute based on priority, lunar phase and position, seeing requirements, and current environmental and sky conditions.
• Assess the data quality and document the conditions under which the observations were completed.
• Provide feedback to the MMTO staff regarding any inefficiencies with observing programs or instrument operation.
• Work with the instrument teams at the UofA and/or SAO for training and operational improvements.
• Act as a member of the MMTO science staff.
• Work alongside a Telescope Operator who will monitor and run the telescope and observatory infrastructure during observing.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Good personal safety practices.
• The ability to communicate effectively.
• The ability to write technical documents, procedures, and checklists.
• The ability to work for extended periods at elevations of up to 8550 ft. in occasionally severe cold conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical-infrared data reduction techniques and tools.
• Advanced degree in astronomy or a related science.

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40+, varies

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Research

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

DOE

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade

8

Career Stream and Level

PC3

Job Family

Research & Lab

Job Function

Research

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Target Hire Date

3/6/2023

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Amanda Percy
apercy@mmto.org

Open Date

12/1/2022

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

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 an 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.