Position Title: Support Astronomer

Employee Classification: Support Astronomer

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 330300-ASTRONOMY

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The Department of Astronomy at New Mexico State University, a research-focused academic unit dedicated to excellence in education and discovery, invites you to apply for an available position to support the scientific activities at Sunspot Solar Observatory, located in Sunspot, NM.

Classification Summary:
Operates telescopes and/or associated instrumentation to obtain astronomical data and/or assistsAssists visiting astronomers in obtaining high quality observational data. Provides technical, scientific and logistical support to astronomers before, during, and after their observing runs a the telescope, including assistance with data analysis. Performs general and specific commissioning of the telescope and instruments. Conducts astronomical research.

Classification Standard Duties:
Supervise, direct, delegate, and evaluate work of assigned staff. Plan observing strategy for facilities where applicable. Perform quality assurance tests of telescope, instruments, and acquired data.Collaborate with colleagues in survey project preparing scientific results where applicable. Operate facilities to acquire scientific data. Develop commissioning plans for facilities and operational procedures.Perform commissioning tests, prepare reports. Perform periodic engineering tests and procedures, analyze and interpret results. Work with engineering staff to maintain and improve facilities. Interface with other project staff a different institutions regarding survey issues and progress. Perform related duties as required.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Master's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Three (3) years of professional experience with modern astronomical spectrographic and/or imaging instruments, moderate to large telescopes, and astronomical data reductions with demonstrated successes in astronomical research.; Equivalency:Doctorate that includes observing experience (no additional experience needed),or Bachelor degree in a related field and five (5) years of experience related to the standard duties as outlined.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:University and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation, telescope control systems, analysis of CCD images/spectra.; SKILLS:Short- and long-range planning; problem analysis and resolution; report preparation and presentation; public contact and relations; or a land written communication, technical, mechanical and engineering, computer, electronics.;ABILITIES:Direct, evaluate, train, and supervise the work of assigned personnel; develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct activities; analyze and evaluate information, operate large astronomical telescopes.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Responsible for assisting with the acquisition and preparation of high-quality observational data taken from the Dunn Solar Telescope. Provides technical, scientific, and logistical support in obtaining and preparing science-ready data, including assistance with data reduction and analysis. May be based in Las Cruces, NM at the main NMSU campus, but will be responsible to visit the observatory occasionally to help with data transfer, perform new optical setups if qualified, and assist with visiting instrumentation scientists. The Dunn Solar Telescope at Sunspot Solar Observatory is still acquiring high-quality, diffraction-limited data and this exciting opportunity will allow for curating such data and distributing it to the solar community.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Juie Shetye, (575) 646-1868, jshetye@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: Monday – Sunday 8pm to 6am, night shift, afternoons, weekends or holidays may be required

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.