Project Scientist

GMTO Corporation; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Dental Insurance

Disability Insurance

Job summary

GMTO Corporation in Pasadena, CA is seeking a Project Scientist to assist the Chief Scientist in defining, developing, and planning the GMT observatory and to represent the project at national and international meetings.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in astronomy or astrophysics with at least 10 years of post‑doctoral observational research, and has experience in optical/IR imagers and spectrographs, AO systems, and commissioning of high‑contrast instruments.

Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field.
• 10 years post-doctoral observational research experience.
• Excellence in scientific writing and verbal communication in English.
• Ability to travel and work across multiple sites and international partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for GMT project in collaboration with the Chief Scientist.
• Organize annual Community Science Meetings and SAC activities.
• Refine Observatory requirements in response to field evolution.
• Collaborate with Project Manager and System/Project Engineers to implement Level 1 Requirements.
• Oversee development of first- and second-generation GMT instruments and instrumentation plan.
• Develop operational plans for observatory operations and commissioning.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Collaborative team work

Travel readiness

Education

PhD in astronomy/astrophysics or related field

Job description

Title: Project Scientist

Element: Science

Manager: Chief Scientist

Type: Full-Time

Location: Pasadena, CA

Job Summary

Reporting to the GMTO Chief Scientist (CS), the Project Scientist (PS) will assist and support the CS in all aspects of the scientific definition, development, and planning efforts for design and construction of the GMT observatory, and in interacting with the scientific community.

To this end, the PS will have a variety of specific responsibilities working with the GMTO Science Advisory Committee; working with the Project Manager and technical team; supporting the activities of the Development and Communications team and the Education and Public Outreach team. The successful candidate will represent the project at national and international meetings.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced observational astronomer with at least 10 years of post-doctoral experience in research, writing publications and grants, and giving scientific, technical, and public talks. Research and observational experience should include a range of observational techniques, data analysis and reduction. The ideal candidate will also have experience in the development of optical and infrared imagers and spectrographs, adaptive optical (AO) systems, and the integration and scientific operation of AO-enabled high-contrast, high spatial resolution, and high temporal resolution astronomical instrumentation

Job Duties

Work with the Chief Scientist to provide scientific leadership for the GMT Project. Specific areas of support will include:

• The scientific and logistical organization of the annual Community Science Meetings.
• Serve as an ex-officio member and vice-Chair of the Science Advisory Committee to support the Chair in coordinate the activities and presentations to the SAC and organize SAC meetings.
• Monitor and refine the scientific, functional, and operational requirements for the Observatory as appropriate, responding to evolution of the field and input from the community and Project.
• Maintain the GMT Observatory Level One Requirements.
• Work closely with the GMT Project Manager, Project Engineer and System Engineer to ensure the implementation of the Level 1 Requirements throughout the construction and commissioning phases.
• Serve as a member of the GMT Change Control Board.
• Works closely with the Science Instrument Element Manager to develop the first-generation science instruments and develop the second-generation instrumentation plan.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the science requirements for the GMT instruments during the development of the first-generation instruments, in collaboration with the Science Instrument Element Manager.
• Work with the Project Manager on the development of the operational plans for the observatory.
• Work with the Lead Systems Engineer to guide commissioning activities.
• Support GMT's Development and Communications Team as needed.
• Support GMT's Education and Public Outreach activities as needed.
  

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• A PHD in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field.
• 10 years post-doctoral experience engaged in observational research using ground-based observations.
• Demonstrated analytical, leadership, maangement, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in scientific writing and verb al communication in English.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in diverse scientific, technical, and public environments.
• Ability to travel and work in a variety of environments, including the GMTO offices in Pasadena, Santiago (Chile), international GMTO partner sites, and the GMTO site within Las Campanas Observatory (LCO) in Chile.

Desired Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Experience in instrument development for ground-based observatories
• Experience in the development and use of adaptive optics systems on 8-m class telescopes
• Experience with the daytime and nighttime operation of 8-m class optical observatories.
• Experience supporting the development of international scientific projects.

Working Conditions

• Open-plan office spaces
• Indoor and outdoor fabrication and construction sites
• National and international travel

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel by air between US, Chile, and international work sites
• Ability to function safely and effecitvely in remote and high elevation (2500m/8500ft) observatory environments

Direct Reports

None

Featured Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance

Hiring Range

$155,000-$240,000

The salary for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, and training.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation Human Resources Representative.