Job openings
Adaptive Optics Scientist (posted June 17, 2015)
Applications received by Aug 15, 2015 will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
To apply, follow this link
The Large Binocular Telescope Observatory is looking for an experienced AO Scientist who is familiar with AO systems and their operation for routine astronomical observing and development/commissioning of new instruments and AO capabilities.
The LBT is a unique telescope with two 8.4m mirrors on a common mount that can be combined to form an interferometer with a baseline of 23m providing unprecedented ground-based resolution at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths. The AO systems are also unique and comprise two permanently mounted adaptive secondary mirrors (ASMs), each with 672 actuators. These enable high-Strehl ratio performance for narrow-field natural guide star (NGS) AO and wide-field “super-seeing” with laser-guide star (LGS) Ground Layer Adaptive Optics (GLAO).
Over the next few years, the observatory will be commissioning routine NGS AO operation for near-IR imaging and spectroscopy and LGS/GLAO for high SNR wide-field NIR-imaging and spectroscopy.
Additionally, the AO systems will be upgraded with improved wavefront sensing capability and new instruments for high strehl ratio observations in the visible and extreme AO in the near-infrared are currently in their early stage of developments.
This position reports to the AO Science Group lead. While most work will occur at the LBTO offices in Tucson, there will be significant amounts of work at the LBT site on Mt. Graham at an elevation of 10,470 feet.
The LBT is a unique telescope with two 8.4m mirrors on a common mount that can be combined to form an interferometer with a baseline of 23m providing unprecedented ground-based resolution at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths. The AO systems are also unique and comprise two permanently mounted adaptive secondary mirrors (ASMs), each with 672 actuators. These enable high-Strehl ratio performance for narrow-field natural guide star (NGS) AO and wide-field “super-seeing” with laser-guide star (LGS) Ground Layer Adaptive Optics (GLAO).
Over the next few years, the observatory will be commissioning routine NGS AO operation for near-IR imaging and spectroscopy and LGS/GLAO for high SNR wide-field NIR-imaging and spectroscopy.
Additionally, the AO systems will be upgraded with improved wavefront sensing capability and new instruments for high strehl ratio observations in the visible and extreme AO in the near-infrared are currently in their early stage of developments.
This position reports to the AO Science Group lead. While most work will occur at the LBTO offices in Tucson, there will be significant amounts of work at the LBT site on Mt. Graham at an elevation of 10,470 feet.
Duties:
The successful candidate will be heavily involved in
- the routine operation of the AO systems, the commissioning and handover of new capabilities, and the development of more automated and robust operation without a loss in system performance as the Observatory heads towards queue observing, and
- the ongoing developments dedicated to AO upgrades and new AO instrumentation.
The successful candidate will work in close interaction with the LBTO/AO engineering support, the AO development teams of the LBT partnership, and the astronomer/observing teams.
The successful candidate will be heavily involved in
- the routine operation of the AO systems, the commissioning and handover of new capabilities, and the development of more automated and robust operation without a loss in system performance as the Observatory heads towards queue observing, and
- the ongoing developments dedicated to AO upgrades and new AO instrumentation.
The successful candidate will work in close interaction with the LBTO/AO engineering support, the AO development teams of the LBT partnership, and the astronomer/observing teams.
Minimum Requirements:
- Ph.D. level degree, or equivalent experience in Astronomy or a similar field.
- Experience in the use of adaptive optics for astronomical research.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to work independently.
- Good verbal and written English communication skills.
- Prior observatory experience.
- Ability to work at 10,500 feet (3200m)
- Experience and knowledge of adaptive optics systems, both hardware & software, will be welcome.
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!
More information on the UA Employee Benefits: http://www.hr.arizona.edu/benefits
Resources for UA Prospective Employees: http://employment.arizona.edu/
Address inquiries to ao-inquiry at lbto.org
- Ph.D. level degree, or equivalent experience in Astronomy or a similar field.
- Experience in the use of adaptive optics for astronomical research.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to work independently.
- Good verbal and written English communication skills.
- Prior observatory experience.
- Ability to work at 10,500 feet (3200m)
- Experience and knowledge of adaptive optics systems, both hardware & software, will be welcome.
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!
More information on the UA Employee Benefits: http://www.hr.arizona.edu/benefits
Resources for UA Prospective Employees: http://employment.arizona.edu/
Address inquiries to ao-inquiry at lbto.org