Science Operations Assistant

Las Campanas Observatory; La Serena; Presencial; CLP 27.372.262 - 41.058.394; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Las Campanas Observatory is seeking a Science Operations Assistant to operate two 6.5-meter Magellan telescopes in La Serena, Chile. Candidates should have an advanced degree in astronomy or related field, hands-on experience with telescopes, and excellent teamwork and communication skills. Responsibilities include overseeing night operations, troubleshooting equipment, and collaborating with astronomers. The position requires working at 2,300m elevation with a unique schedule of 7 nights on-site followed by 7 nights off.

Responsabilidades

• Operate the Magellan telescopes and instruments to ensure safe, efficient night operations.
• Monitor weather and site conditions and assess their impact on observing.
• Maintain clear, timely communication with visiting and remote astronomers.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and assist the technical team.
• Write nightly and weekly reports on observations and performance.
• Contribute to the creation and revision of observing procedures.
• Safely handle cryogenic liquids.
• Undertake additional related tasks as needed.

Conocimientos

Hands‑on experience with telescopes and astronomical instrumentation

Knowledge of astronomical software

Computer proficiency in Linux or macOS environments

Strong teamwork, communication, and technical writing skills

Fluency in written and spoken English

Programming experience

Valid driver’s license

Ability to work safely at 2,300 m elevation

Educación

Advanced degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering

Descripción del empleo

Science Operations Assistant (October 2025)

Las Campanas Observatory (LCO), Carnegie Institution for Science Observatories

Las Campanas Observatory (LCO) of the Carnegie Institution for Science Observatories—a world‑class astronomical institution—has an opening for a Science Operations Assistant (SOA) to work on the two 6.5‑meter Magellan telescopes.

As a key team member, the SOA will operate the telescopes and ensure the safe, efficient execution of night‑time observations. The successful candidate will have a solid grasp of the instrumentation suite to provide basic technical support for visiting and remote astronomers and will contribute to first‑line troubleshooting of telescope and instrument issues.

Job Description

• Operate the Magellan telescopes and instruments to ensure safe, efficient night operations.
• Monitor weather and site conditions and assess their impact on observing.
• Maintain clear, timely communication with visiting and remote astronomers.
• Perform basic troubleshooting; assist the technical team in diagnosing, resolving, and documenting issues.
• Write nightly and weekly reports on observations, system status, and performance.
• Contribute to the creation and revision of observing procedures.
• Safely handle cryogenic liquids.
• Undertake additional tasks aligned with organizational needs and your qualifications (e.g., documenting new subsystems, performance assessment of telescope/instruments, implementing new observing procedures).

Work schedule: 7 nights on site (2,300 m) / 7 nights off.

Education Required

• Advanced degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering and/or equivalent experience in telescope operations within an astronomical observatory or similar scientific environment.

Skills Required

• Hands‑on experience with telescopes and astronomical instrumentation.
• Knowledge of astronomical software.
• Computer proficiency in Linux or macOS environments.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and technical writing skills (reports, procedures, protocols).
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Programming experience is highly desirable.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work safely at 2,300 m elevation.

Location: LCO offices and administrative headquarters are in La Serena, Chile. Observatory facilities are located in the Andes at 2,300 m elevation, ~160 km north of La Serena.

Carnegie Science is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

This job offer considers Ley N.º 21.015 (Chile) which encourages the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace.