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Senior Research Scientist, Department of Astronomy, Boston University

Employer
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Location
Massachusetts, United States
Closing date
31 May 2019

Job Description

Observatory Manager (Boston University)

Applications are invited for a position to manage Boston University’s operation of the 1.83m Perkins Telescope on Anderson Mesa, outside Flagstaff, Arizona. Boston University is expected to become the owner/operator of the telescope on or about 1 April 2019. The successful Observatory Manager applicant will be stationed in the Flagstaff, AZ area on a permanent basis.

The main duties are to oversee daily and nightly operation and maintenance of the Perkins telescope and to help maintain the Boston University instruments normally used on the telescope. Additional key duties include updating and maintaining software for operating the telescope and instruments, providing logistics support to visiting Boston University researchers, and leading preventative maintenance and upgrades to the telescope computer, electrical, mechanical, and optical systems, including mirror aluminizing and cleaning. The successful applicant may also be involved in scientific collaborations within and/or outside of Boston University.

Required Skills

Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering, plus at least 5 years of hands-on experience servicing, designing, and/or building modern astronomical instruments and in using or maintaining research-level astronomical observatories. Additional desired qualifications include a high degree of competence in the use of programming languages, and strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills.

Since 1998, Boston University and Lowell Observatory have jointly operated the 1.83m Perkins telescope. Members of Boston University’s Institute for Astrophysical Research (IAR) have built two instruments for the Perkins telescope: PRISM, which provides optical imaging, polarimetry, and spectroscopy; and Mimir, which provides near-infrared imaging, polarimetry, and spectroscopy. A third instrument, RIPS, built by members of Boston University’s Center for Space Physics, has begun occasional use on the Perkins. Boston University is also a partner in the 4.3m Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT).

Candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names of three people who can provide letters of reference on behalf of the candidate to Ms. Erin Reynolds, ereynold@bu.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will commence as soon as possible.

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. Boston University prohibits discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status.

Job Location BOSTON, Massachusetts, United States

Position Type Full-Time/Regular

Salary Grade Competitive

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