Job Title

Job No.

Center

Location

Date Posted

WIYN/ODI Queue Specialist          

935

NOAO

Tucson

03/18/2009

The WIYN Observatory is looking for a scientist to lead the design, commissioning, and subsequent support of the queue observing system for a new technology wide-field optical imager currently developed for the WIYN 3.5-m telescope on Kitt Peak. The One Degree Imager (ODI) will be a state-of-the-art imaging camera using orthogonal transfer CCD detectors (OTAs) arranged in a 32K x 32K array. These detectors provide electronic tip/tilt correction to improve the image quality across the full 1-degree field of view at WIYN. The current R-band median delivered image quality of 0.7" (FWHM) will be improved to 0.55" and the entire array can be read out in less than 10 seconds. ODI will provide a unique and transformational imaging capability to the world astronomical community by making optimal use of the WIYN telescope’s superb optics, excellent site, and one degree field of view.  Integration of the camera is planned for completion at the end of 2009 with scientific commissioning beginning in April 2010. For more information about WIYN and ODI, please see http://www.wiyn.org/ODI .

The WIYN Queue Specialist’s main responsibility is to lead the development and subsequent operations of queue observing for ODI. The queue specialist’s duties include: 1) Establishing general queue procedures for proposal evaluation, program ranking, time accounting and the observing process; 2) Leading the design of the queue phase 2 and observing tools for ODI, in collaboration with the ODI Team; 3) Leading the implementation and testing of the queue system in collaboration with the queue software programmer and the ODI team; 4) Leading the queue operation support, data evaluation and staff scheduling during queue observing nights; 5) Recruiting, training and supervising of the queue service observers; 6) Supporting the ODI pipeline team in defining and executing the calibration plan for ODI.

We are looking for applicants having experience in the development, testing and implementation of queue observing for astronomical instrumentation. Experience with observing (classical or in service mode) with large astronomical mosaic cameras is preferable. A Ph.D. in astronomy or physics is preferred but candidates without a Ph.D but with previous extensive experience with queue observing system will also be considered.

The ODI Queue Specialist will have up to 20% of his/her time to conduct scientific research, if relevant.  This position is based at the WIYN offices located at NOAO in Tucson, AZ near the University of Arizona campus, but requires travel to Kitt Peak Mountain, 56 miles southwest of Tucson, AZ. Inquiries about this position may be directed to Pierre Martin (pmartin@wiyn.org, 520-318-8484).  Please send a resume, bibliography, and the names of three references. Review of applications will start on Feb 01, 2009. Anticipated starting date is April 1, 2009, but will accept applications until position filled.. WIYN Observatory employees are AURA employees working for the WIYN Observatory. This is a long-term employment pending approval by the WIYN Board.

When applying for this position please refer to the job title and job number. Electronic submission preferred The application process will be handled by NOAO/AURA Human Resources Office.

Send resume to:

Human Resources Office
National Optical Astronomy Observatory
P.O. Box 26732
Tucson, Arizona 85726-6732
Email: hrnoao@noao.edu
FAX: 520-318-8494

NOAO and NSO are affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employers. Preference granted to qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'Odham Reservation.

NOAO actively support efforts to broaden participation in all Observatory activities. Women and candidates from under represented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.