A full list of employment opportunities with both the Department of Astronomy and McDonald Observatory can be found via the links below. For openings at the Observatory, select 'McDonald Observatory' as the hiring organization. Listings will include both Austin and Fort Davis, TX.
- External candidates can view job postings on the public UT Austin Job Search page.
- Internal candidates can view job postings here.
- Please also see Postdoctoral Fellowships
Jobs will be posted here when open. Click on the job title to see posting information.
Membership Relations and Events Planning Coordinator (UT Main Campus)
Job Description:
Responsible for advanced program administration and coordination of membership and constituent relations on behalf of McDonald Observatory and in philanthropic support of the Astronomy Program, including the support groups: Board of Visitors, Friends, and Orion Circle. Provide event management for donor cultivation and recognition events.
----
Job Details:
General Notes
Must be available for local daytime travel, overnight travel, and to work occasional evenings and holidays. Must be eligible to work in the US on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.
Responsibilities
- Donor and Membership Management. Manage development-related information systems, ensuring the accuracy of data in multiple systems including the Astronomy Program's database and UT’s donor database. Assist in timely and accurate reports, letters, and communications, including processing donor-related gifts, track pledges and gifts, write acknowledgment letters, prepare pledge reminders and mailings, and prepare deposits to UT gift processing.
- Membership Relations. Communicate with donors and potential donors about McDonald Observatory; ability to respond professionally to donor inquiries. Collaborates with Director on Board of Visitors and the Assistant Director of Education for Friends and Orion Circle.
- Event Coordination. Develop, coordinate, and execute onsite coordination for donor events in collaboration with leadership to cultivate strong relationships between the Astronomy Program and the donors. Organize visits, logistics, tours, guest lists, invitations, and tracking RSVPs. Coordinate procurements, contracts, travel itineraries and reimbursements, entertainment expenses in collaboration with the business office and in compliance with UT policy and procedures.
- Team Collaboration. Promote a positive and collaborative working environment focusing on customer service and quality work product. Work closely with West Texas staff for events hosted at the observatory and with the UT community for on-campus events.
- Development of Materials. Prepares and produces materials, including meeting agendas, brief reports, information packets, and follow-up meeting items.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree. Three years of successfully demonstrated program administration or program coordination experience. Two years of experience assisting with fundraising programs, working for a non-profit organization, and performing complex administrative functions. Outstanding expertise in event management and communications, including the ability to plan, schedule, and execute events in coordination with leadership and in collaboration with the business office and other necessary staff, including procurement, contracts, budget, and data. Demonstrated experience coordinating meetings and arranging travel. Demonstrated ability to follow up on membership accounts and develop relationships with current and potential clients. Strong technical skills, including demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to work with all levels of personnel both internally and externally. Excellent relationship-building skills. Must be able to exercise a high degree of initiative and work independently on consecutive projects with the pressure of strict deadlines. Ability to work effectively and proactively in a dynamic environment while managing multiple, concurrent projects with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to follow through on independent and collaborative projects. Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment. Professional demeanor and business attire required
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree. More than the required years of experience in managing fundraising programs. Experience with working with alumni or donor databases to maintain data and extract downloads for data analysis. Working knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Salary Range
$53,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- Use of typical office equipment
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- Use of manual dexterity
- Climbing of stairs, lifting and moving
- May work in all weather conditions
- Must be able to travel overnight, holidays and weekends when necessary
- Work with confidential information, under stress, and within deadlines
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Additional information and to apply:
HET Mechanical Engineer - Optical Systems (McDonald Observatory, West Texas)
Job Description:
As part of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) Optics Team, the HET Mechanical Engineer will lead or participate in the mechanical design relating to optics and managing the optical maintenance. This position will participate in all activities in the HET optics lab including maintaining the reflectivity of the primary mirror segments, and operating and maintaining the mirror coating facility. In addition, this position will work closely with colleagues at the HET and in Austin to design, build, and maintain optomechanical tools and instrumentation as needed for the efficient operation of the HET.
----
Job Details:
General Notes
This position is located at McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus). The Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) operates on a 24/7/365 day schedule. This position will be expected to respond to failures and business needs, relating to the telescope or observatory, outside of normal work hours (nights, weekends, and holidays). Candidates selected for on-site interview will be required to demonstrate the ability to perform the optomechanical physical tasks including climbing ladders, stairs, and a lattice shell structure; moving mirror maintenance equipment; wearing fall protection equipment; and assembling/disassembling mechanical components.
Residence in the Observatory's residential community may be available and may be required. Position may be subject to “call-back” as an essential employee for emergency or critical response.
Responsibilities
- Leads or participates in projects to improve the performance of the telescope from a mechanical and/or optomechanical perspective. Such projects may include both mechanical and optical design from first principles to an operational instrument, tool, or fixture.
- Maintains all optics and optomechanical subsystems on the HET with emphasis on the reflectivity of the HET primary mirror segments, the overall optical throughput of the telescope, the performance of the primary mirror Segment Control System (SCS), the primary mirror Segment Alignment Measurement System (SAMS) and the Center of Curvature Alignment System (CCAS).
- Works with the optics team to operate and maintain the 15kW, 10,000V, E-Beam mirror coating system to coat 1-meter hexagonal mirror segments with aluminum. This includes all vacuum equipment, ion assisted vapor deposition system, and optical coating metrology instrumentation. Operates and maintains the class 10,000 clean room housing the mirror coating facility and the Strip and Wash (SAW) room where the 1-meter segments have old coating removed and are prepped for the new coating.
- Investigates and solves telescope failures or performance deficiencies related to optomechanical and electro-optical subsystems on the telescope.
- Works closely within the HET Optics Team and with Operations Management to provide leadership as needed in defining and scheduling all optics team activities. Participates in weekly meetings or work sessions.
- Other related functions as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering with two years work experience in related field or Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering with four years experience in related field.
- Understanding of system level interactions between mechanics, optics, electronics and software to enable effective problem solving and troubleshooting at the system level down to the individual part level.
- Experience with mechanical design using Solid Works, Inventor, or similar solid modeling CAD packages.
- Basic fabrication skills using tools for material cutting, drilling, milling, and turning.
- Self-driven individual with keen technical ability, systematic approach, detailed-oriented, excellent theoretical and hands-on problem-solving skills, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and strong team player.
- Demonstrated problem solving ability, including designing of experiments and carrying out tests to collect and analyze data.
- Has excellent technical writing and documentation skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to interface with all levels of staff and leadership.
- Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with more than five years related experience.
- Experience with optical coating processes, more specifically ion assisted electron beam vapor deposition, and the process control requirements that lead to optimal coating performance in terms of reflectivity and durability.
- Experience with vacuum system operation and maintenance for optical coating processes.
- Proficient in mechanical and optomechanical design using Solid Works and/or Inventor.
- Basic optical design experience and some exposure to optical design/simulation tools such as ZEMAX and/or optical system performance measurement.
- Hands on experience in optical component mounting, interfaces and adhesive bonding.
- Experience with cleaning and handling optical components.
- Experience in statistical process control (SPC)
- Practical programming experience (Python, MATLAB or equivalent).
Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Salary Range
$80,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- McDonald Observatory is located at approx. 6900 ft. above sea level; environmental conditions can be unpredictable; temperatures can range from -10˚F and +85˚F; inclement winter weather can be expected which requires comfort driving in wintry conditions on mountain grades
- May work in all weather conditions and extreme temperatures
- Wearing appropriate safety equipment when working with chemicals or working at heights up to 90 ft in varied climate conditions
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety harnesses, hard hats, breathing respirators, and ear and eye protection during mirror stripping and working with chemicals; may be required to undergo respirator fit testing
- May work around chemical and chemical fumes, and cryogenic liquids
- May work around electrical and mechanical hazards
- Use of manual, mechanical hand-tool, and fine-motor dexterity
- Climbing and working at heights up to 100 feet, using man lift or ladder; free climbing on/around heavy equipment
- Climbing up to three flights of stairs at a time
- Lifting and moving up to 66 pounds
- Ability to move around in a mirror truss, a steal lattice shell structure
- Pushing heavy loads including a mirror cart requiring force
- May work around standard office conditions, computer, and repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- May require working extended hours in inclement weather with hazardous equipment or materials
- Ability to travel to Observatory headquarters at The University of Texas at Austin and to meet vendors as required
Work Shift
- Generally, M-F, 8 am – 5 pm
- The Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) is a 24/7/365 operation and this position may be expected to work at all hours of the day or night, weekends, or holidays (when needed and within limits) to serve the needs of the Observatory and specifically the HET
- Staff living on-site in the residential community are considered as essential employees, as determined by the HET Facility Manager and the Observatory Superintendent, and will be required to serve in the Observatory Emergency Response team
- Occasional travel
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
HET Optomechanical Technician (McDonald Observatory, West Texas)
Job Description:
Serves as the technical resource for the optical systems of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET), including optical maintenance such as cleaning, metrology, coating removal, computer maintenance of the Segment Alignment Maintenance System (SAMS), and basic mechanical maintenance for the mirror supports.
----
Job Details:
General Notes
This position is located at McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Ft. Davis, Texas (440 miles west of UT Austin campus). This position supports the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET), which is a 24/7 operation. Occasionally expected to respond to failures on the telescope outside normal work hours (nights, weekends, and holidays). Candidates selected for on-site interview will be required to demonstrate the ability to perform the optomechanical physical tasks including climbing ladders, stairs, and a lattice shell structure; moving mirror maintenance equipment; wearing fall protection equipment; and assembling/disassembling mechanical components.
Residence in the Observatory's residential community may not be available. If housed on-site, position may be subject to "call-back" as an essential employee for emergencies or critical response.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for removing mirror segments and replacing with freshly coated segments (swapping). Sets up the mirror segments according to position angle in the array. Keeps accurate logs and communicates these segment swaps to the night staff for alignment. Troubleshoots mechanical issues with mirror segments.
- Responsible for the Segment Alignment and Maintenance System (SAMS) of the HET primary mirror. This includes using fine motor skills to adjust sensors in the array and characterize SAMS performance. Keeps accurate SAMS logs of spare components and communicates necessary repairs to head of optical group. Performs basic troubleshooting of electronics issues within SAMS. Develops an understanding of underlying algorithms within SAMS that control the figure of the primary mirror.
- Responsible for the adjustment of mirror actuators and troubleshooting both the actuators and actuator controllers. Keeps accurate segment control system (SCS) logs of spare components and communicates necessary repairs to the head of the optical group.
- Helps maintain the database of spares and consumables and work with the head of the optical group to set an accurate budget. Provides feedback on procedures and systems to improve efficiency.
- Supports the re-coating process of the primary mirror. Evaluate the mirror coating before and after this process. Keeps accurate logs of the meteorology and communicates this information to the optical lead.
- Attends and constructively participates in the morning meetings and weekly HET staff meetings. Submits daily list of tasks performed to supervisor and to site manager.
- Other related functions as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering. Demonstrated good manual dexterity with fine motor skills using hand tools. Strong communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a team environment. Able to work independently and is self-motivated. In addition, candidates should have the work ethic and drive to maximize the scientific output of the telescope. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Two years of experience working with optical systems and/or in a laboratory environment. Math skill set including linear algebra and calculus. Computer skill set including programming fundamentals, MATLAB, LabView. Ability and/or experience with directing and/or managing projects. Ability to do basic troubleshooting on both electrical and mechanical systems.
Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).
Salary Range
$44,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
-
McDonald Observatory is located at approx. 6900 ft. above sea level; environmental conditions can be unpredictable; temperatures can range from -10˚F and +85˚F; inclement winter weather can be expected which requires comfort driving in wintry conditions on mountain grades
- Wearing appropriate safety equipment when working with chemicals or working at heights up to 90 feet in varied climate conditions
- Personal protection equipment (furnished) required during mirror stripping and working with chemicals; may be required to undergo respirator fit testing
- May work around chemical and chemical fumes, and cryogenic liquids
- May work around electrical and mechanical hazards
- May work around standard office conditions, computer, and repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- Use of manual, mechanical hand-tool, and fine-motor dexterity
- Working in/from man-lifts and scissor lifts
- Working with heavy machinery
- Climbing of ladders up to 90 feet, free climbing on/around heavy equipment
- Ability to move around in a tight mirror truss – a lattice shell structure
- Pushing heavy loads including a mirror cart requiring force
- Lifting and moving up to 50 pounds
- Climbing up to three flights of stairs at a time
Working Shift
- Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET), which is a 24/7 operation
- Occasionally expected to respond to failures on the telescope outside normal work hours (nights, weekends, and holidays)
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Additional information and to apply:
Mechanic/Technician (McDonald Observatory, West Texas)
Job Description:
The purpose of this position is to provide journey-level skills and to perform work in a variety of technical trades in the maintenance, repair, fabrication, and operations for a remote research facility, including performing skilled work in an electrical, mechanical, and HVAC environment.
----
Job Details:
General Notes
This position is based at McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Ft. Davis, Texas, and approximately 440 miles from the University of Texas at Austin campus. Our location is approximately 6900 feet above sea level. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable; temperatures can range from -10˚F and +85˚F. Inclement winter weather can be expected which requires comfort driving in winter conditions on mountain grade roads. Hours include occasional weekends and evenings. Travel required. Position may be subject to "call-back" as an essential employee for emergencies or critical response. On-site residential housing may be available.
Responsibilities
- Performs preventive and general maintenance, inspection, repair, and testing of mechanical and hydraulic equipment, vehicles, heavy equipment, and rotating telescope domes and infrastructures. Responsible for ensuring that routine maintenance of fleet vehicles is performed and appropriate record-keeping is up to date.
- Maintains and repairs automotive, truck, and diesel equipment.
- Assists with welding of mild steel, stainless, aluminum, as well as torch welding, cutting, and brazing on various mechanical equipment and structures. Assists with fabrication and precision machining of metal parts and equipment using metal lathes, milling machines, drill presses. Ability to interpret three-dimensional assemblies from two-dimensional drawings, knowledge of material properties.
- Assists with carpentry and general residential maintenance, including but not limited to concrete work, structure repair, drywall, painting, appliance servicing, and plumbing.
- Performs preventative maintenance tasks incidental to the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment and systems as well as residential structures. Maintain logs and records on equipment. Inspects, lubricates, and troubleshoots equipment. Informs supervisor of conditions.
- Troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance on commercial facilities electrical and HVAC systems, residential structures, elevators, and telescope enclosure buildings.
- Operates heavy equipment: backhoe, dozier, forklift, and road grader.
- Helps co-workers as necessary in their various craft trades in a team-oriented environment.
- Performs emergency services duties as assigned including fire department participation, response, training, and related activities.
- Maintains a clean and safe workplace and performs all duties in accordance with established safety procedures. Ensures that all tools, equipment, and vehicles are maintained in a clean and orderly fashion. Performs additional tasks as assigned.
Required Qualifications
High school graduation or GED. Five years of experience in commercial and/or residential electrical and HVAC systems, and maintenance and repair of vehicles or facilities and equipment. Three years of journey-level experience in facilities/residential electrical and HVAC, general construction, welding, or machine shop fabrication. Assists in assuming responsibility for the research facilities' maintenance, serves as an efficient and caring worker, and demonstrates strong attention to detail. Good organization and planning skills. Maintains professionalism in our interaction with the public and our fellow workers, as well as professionalism in our appearance, according to UT policy. Wears protective safety equipment and follows safety guidelines or procedures.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Journeyman's license in electrical, significant experience in the installation and troubleshooting electrical systems, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of HVAC systems. Experience in troubleshooting and repairing elevator and other hydraulic lift systems.
Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Salary Range
$40,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished)
- May work in all weather conditions
- May work in extreme temperatures
- May work around chemical fumes
- May work around standard office conditions
- May work around bio-hazards
- May work around hazardous chemicals and cryogenic liquids
- May work around electrical and mechanical hazards
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation and use of a computer
- Use of manual dexterity
- Climbing of stairs
- Climbing of ladders, free climbing on/around heavy equipment
- Heavy lifting and moving
- Working with heavy machinery
- Staff on-site in the residential community may serve as essential employee as determined by your manager.
- Use of approved safety equipment is required.
- May be required to undergo respirator fit testing.
Work Shift
- Tuesday-Friday (7:00 am - 5:30 pm; 30-minute lunch)
- Weekend and evenings hours as required
- Daytime travel and occasional overnight travel
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Additional information and to apply:
Optomechanical Engineering Associate, Observing Support (McDonald Observatory, West Texas)
Job Description:
The Optomechanical Engineering Associate provides hands-on mechanical and technical support for McDonald Observatory and tenant telescope facilities including performing instrument changes, instrument set-up, cleaning optical surfaces, recoating of astronomical optics, and assistance with machining and design.
----
Job Details:
General Notes
This position is at McDonald Observatory, located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus). Residence in the Observatory's residential community is preferred. Position is considered an essential employee for emergency or critical response.
Responsibilities
- Facility Support: Performs maintenance and repair for the 107-inch Harlan J. Smith Telescope, the historic 82-inch Otto Struve Telescope, and the 30- and 36-inch facilities. Assists with upgrades and modifications as directed. Assists with machining and design as directed.
- Instrument Support: Performs maintenance and repair for McDonald Observatory astronomical instruments under the guidance of the Optomechanical Group Lead.
- Tenant Support: Performs maintenance and repair on the tenant facilities that are supported by the McDonald Observatory team at the direction of the Observing Support (OS) Manager and the Optomechanical Group Lead.
- Operations Support: Assists in all general operational tasks including instrument changes, optical cleaning, optical recoating, and telescope assembly. Provides technical support for observing in the form of reviewing night logs, re-filling cryogens, changing filters, etc. Leads operation support efforts and supervises the 107-inch machine shop in the absence of the group lead.
- Documentation: Assists with quality control checks and upgrades to operational and maintenance documentation.
- Performs other duties as required.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field with up to two years experience in an astronomical research or optical lab environment. Familiarity with optical coating processes. Experience with precision equipment used in research programs. Ability to organize and prioritize work, to meet deadlines and expectations. Self-driven individual with keen technical ability, systematic and detail-oriented approach. Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and strong team player. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with a variety of audiences including science users, engineers, educators, nighttime staff, and administrative staff. Proficient computer skills. Desire and ability to learn new skills or methods.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with astronomical instrumentation. Familiarity with optical and/or near-IR detectors.
Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Care of optics
- Optical alignments
- Stray light analysis and control
- Optical mountings
- Optical coatings, including thin films
Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license to perform job responsibilities. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Salary Range
$55,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- McDonald Observatory is located at approx. 6900 ft. above sea level.
- Environmental conditions can be unpredictable; temperatures can range from -10˚F and +85˚F.
- Inclement winter weather can be expected which requires comfort driving in wintery conditions on mountain grades
- Climbing ladders, free climbing on/around heavy equipment
- Working in/from man-lifts and scissor lifts
- Use of approved safety equipment is required; May be required to undergo respirator fit testing
- Heavy lifting (must be able to lift 35 lbs.)
- Working at night, on weekends, and holidays
- Working with hazardous chemicals and cryogenic liquids
- Working with heavy machinery
- Working at a computer
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Additional information and to apply:
Optomechanical Technician, Observing Support (McDonald Observatory, West Texas)
Job Description:
Provides entry-level optomechanical engineering assignments for Observing Support. Performs hands-on mechanical and technical support for McDonald Observatory and tenant telescope facilities including instrument changes, instrument set-up, cleaning optical surfaces, and recoating of astronomical optics.
----
Job Details:
General Notes
This position is at McDonald Observatory, located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus). Residence in the Observatory's residential community is preferred. Position is considered an essential employee for emergency or critical response.
Responsibilities
- Facility Support: Performs maintenance and repair for the 107-inch Harlan J. Smith Telescope, the historic 82-inch Otto Struve Telescope, and the 30- and 36-inch facilities under the guidance of the Optomechanical Group Lead and Optomechanical Engineering Associate. May assist with upgrades and modifications as directed.
- Instrument Support: Performs maintenance and repair for McDonald Observatory astronomical instruments under the guidance of the Optomechanical Group Lead and Optomechanical Engineering Associate.
- Tennant Support: Assists with maintenance and repair on the tenant facilities that are supported by the McDonald Observatory team at the direction of the Observing Support (OS) Manager and the Optomechanical Group Lead.
- Operations Support: Assists in all general operational support tasks including instrument changes, optical cleaning, optical recoating, and telescope assembly. Provides technical support for observing in the form of reviewing night logs, re-filling cryogens, changing filters, etc.
- Performs other duties as required.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field. Basic engineering and/or scientific equipment ordinarily used in college laboratory work. Ability to organize and prioritize work, to meet deadlines and expectations. Self-driven individual with keen technical ability, systematic and detail-oriented approach. Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and strong team player. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Proficient computer skills. Desire and ability to learn new skills or methods.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with precision equipment used in research programs. Familiarity with optical coating processes. Familiarity with astronomical instrumentation.
Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license to perform job responsibilities. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Salary Range
$38,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- McDonald Observatory is located at approx. 6900 ft. above sea level.
- Environmental conditions can be unpredictable; temperatures can range from -10˚F and +85˚F.
- Inclement winter weather can be expected which requires comfort driving in wintery conditions on mountain grades
- Climbing ladders, free climbing on/around heavy equipment
- Working in/from man-lifts and scissor lifts
- Use of approved safety equipment is required; May be required to undergo respirator fit testing
- Heavy lifting (must be able to lift 35 lbs.)
- Working at night, on weekends, and holidays
- Working with hazardous chemicals and cryogenic liquids
- Working with heavy machinery
- Working at a computer
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Additional information and to apply:
Support Astronomer (McDonald Observatory, West Texas)
Job Description:
Serves as the on-site research observing specialist who provides support to astronomers (remote and in-person) using the 107-inch Harlan J. Smith Telescope, the historic 82-inch Otto Struve Telescope, and the 30-inch telescope located at the McDonald Observatory. Provides first night training to all new users, science level training and guidance to the nighttime assistant team, and science user level feedback to the daytime engineering teams.
----
Job Details:
General Notes
This position is based at McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Ft. Davis, Texas, and approximately 440 miles from the University of Texas at Austin campus. Frequent night, weekend, and holiday duty required. Residence in the Observatory's residential community is preferred for providing nighttime support of observing and operations. Position may be subject to "call-back" as an essential employee for emergencies or critical response.
Responsibilities
- Observer Support: Provides first night training to all new users of the Mt Locke observing facilities. Responds to observer and remote assistant nighttime problems and provides troubleshooting either over the phone or in person as needed. Assists observers with program efficiency issues, familiarization with updated operations, and general inquiries. Liaises with the assistant director for research regarding facility level needs for our user group.
- Instrument Support: Provides science level user feedback to the instrument teams to increase the quality of data products, improve observing efficiency, and improve the user experience. Supports engineering activities, instrument deployment, and system upgrades as appropriate.
- Operations Support: Acts as the primary liaison between science users, instrument support teams, observing support, and the remote observing team. Provides feedback between these teams and assists with activities as directed. Responds to emergencies and queries from these groups. Assists troubleshooting at all levels. Works with the observing support manager to schedule user training with daytime staff periodically.
- Nighttime Operations: Working closely with the remote assistant supervisor and provides science level user training to the remote telescope observer team to facilitate their ability to respond to nighttime queries from our users.
- Documentation: Creates and/or maintains user manuals for McDonald Observatory facilities and instrumentation, in collaboration with principal investigators (PIs), assistant director for research, superintendent, observing support manager, and remote telescope observer coordinator
- Data Collection & Analysis: Uses the Mt. Locke observing facilities to study image quality and night sky photometric, spectroscopic, and spectrophotometric quality and variability. Collaborates with the Hobby-Eberly Telescope "HET" team and the dark sky initiative coordinator to provide science impact feedback to our user community. Collaborates with the chief scientist to make data quality improvements to the Mt Locke facilities.
- Performs other duties as required.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in astronomy or related field with two years of experience in professional observing or astronomical research using 1+m class telescopes.
- Familiarity with astronomical instrumentation.
- Familiarity with professional astronomical software, including data reduction tools and telescope and/or instrument controls.
- Demonstrable experience in mentoring, training, or teaching others.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work, and to meet deadlines and expectations.
- Self-driven individual with keen technical ability, systematic, and detail-oriented approach.
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and strong team player.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all scientific, engineering, and administrative levels.
- Proficient computer skills.
- An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in astronomy or physics, or equivalent with experience in professional observing or astronomical research using 1+m class telescopes.
- Experience with a scientific programming language and/or shell scripting. Python and Pyraf experience preferred.
- Familiarity with optical detectors.
- Familiarity with Linux and/or UNIX operating systems.
Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license to perform job responsibilities. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Salary Range
$60,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- McDonald Observatory is located at approx. 6900 ft. above sea level. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable; temperatures can range from -10˚F and +85˚F. Inclement winter weather can be expected which requires comfort driving in wintry conditions on mountain grades.
- Working at a computer.
- May climbing ladders, free climbing on/around heavy equipment.
- May work in/from man-lifts and scissor lifts.
- May be required to undergo respirator fit testing and use approved safety equipment.
- Heavy lifting (must be able to lift 35 lbs.)
- May work with hazardous chemicals and cryogenic liquids.
- May work with heavy machinery.
Work Shift
- 40 hours; required to work extended hours (sunset to sunrise) and on-call.
- Night, weekend, and holiday duty required.
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Additional information and to apply:
