Adaptive Optics Scientist bei W. M. Keck Observatory
W. M. Keck Observatory · Kamuela, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Onsite
- Professional
- Optionales Büro in Kamuela
Push the boundaries of astronomy on the world’s most productive telescopes.
As an Adaptive Optics Scientist at Keck Observatory, your expertise will drive the next generation of high-resolution astronomical research — from bold new designs through hands-on testing and commissioning. Here, scientific curiosity meets real-world engineering, enabling breakthrough discoveries on the world’s most iconic and productive telescopes.
As an Adaptive Optics Scientist at Keck Observatory, your expertise will drive the next generation of high-resolution astronomical research — from bold new designs through hands-on testing and commissioning. Here, scientific curiosity meets real-world engineering, enabling breakthrough discoveries on the world’s most iconic and productive telescopes.
Why Choose W. M. Keck Observatory:
- Competitive starting salary ranging from $106,779-$129,799.
- Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation.
- A robust 8% 403(b) employer contribution (with a 4% employee contribution).
- Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai’i Island.
- Comprehensive, employer-provided health insurance.
- Be a part of a dedicated team working on the frontiers of astronomy.
About W. M. Keck Observatory: With acknowledgment and profound respect for the cultural, ecological, and scientific significance of Maunakea, W. M. Keck Observatory offers astronomers a unique vantage point to explore the universe. Our twin telescopes are at the forefront of astronomical discovery, offering transformative insights into the cosmos. We are dedicated to service, stewardship, and our community, all while advancing our mission to unlock the mysteries of the universe. Join us in this endeavor!
Key Responsibilities
What we are seeking in an Adaptive Optics Scientist:
The W. M. Keck Observatory seeks an accomplished and innovative scientist with a Ph.D. in adaptive optics or high angular resolution astronomy (or equivalent experience) and at least four years of hands-on AO development for astronomical research. The successful candidate brings broad, multidisciplinary engineering expertise with deep knowledge in at least one high angular resolution instrument or system. The candidate should have expertise spanning optics, mechanics, software, controls, and data analysis. Technical leadership, experience with instrumentation projects from concept through commissioning phases, and effective communication with diverse scientific and technical teams are essential. Experience developing AO system software, performance modeling, and systems analysis tools are highly valued, as is a strong commitment to inclusivity, teamwork, and advancing the scientific mission of the W.M. Keck Observatory.
The W. M. Keck Observatory seeks an accomplished and innovative scientist with a Ph.D. in adaptive optics or high angular resolution astronomy (or equivalent experience) and at least four years of hands-on AO development for astronomical research. The successful candidate brings broad, multidisciplinary engineering expertise with deep knowledge in at least one high angular resolution instrument or system. The candidate should have expertise spanning optics, mechanics, software, controls, and data analysis. Technical leadership, experience with instrumentation projects from concept through commissioning phases, and effective communication with diverse scientific and technical teams are essential. Experience developing AO system software, performance modeling, and systems analysis tools are highly valued, as is a strong commitment to inclusivity, teamwork, and advancing the scientific mission of the W.M. Keck Observatory.
Key Responsibilities:
- Play a lead role in the simulation, design, development, testing, optimization and commissioning of new AO capabilities and their handover to operations. Lead roles would be at the level of principal investigator, project manager and/or system architect; incumbent will need to be at this level or develop to this level.
- Guide the continued development of Keck’s high angular resolution capabilities. Play a lead role in identifying, assessing and proposing new AO capabilities and techniques for improved performance and/or new science capabilities. As part of this process understand the user community needs and ensure they are addressed.
- Characterize and document new AO capabilities and performance to support operations and development.
- Communicate, negotiate, and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels to achieve AO objectives.
- Conduct and participate in a defined level of AO-related research to further WMKO’s high-contrast AO capabilities with the expectation that the research will lead to published technical and peer-reviewed papers. Collaboration with colleagues is encouraged.
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Education
- Ph.D. level degree in AO or high angular resolution astronomy, or equivalent experience.
Experience
- Four years of relevant experience in the development and/or use of AO for astronomical research.
Technical Competencies
- A broad understanding of the multiple engineering disciplines needed to develop AO systems.
- Detailed knowledge of at least one high angular resolution opto-mechanical system or instrument.
Skills
- Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Technical leadership skills.
- Demonstrated high level problem solving, planning and organizing, adaptability and dependability.
Certificates and Licenses
- None.
Other Requirements
- Commitment to WMKO core values: Stewardship and Service.
- Willingness and ability to occasionally work nights and weekends.
- Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven track record in the development or optimization of AO systems for astronomy.
- A system architecture level perspective on AO systems.
- Multi-disciplinary engineering expertise including optical, mechanical, software, controls, and data visualization and analysis.
- Expertise in the development of the high-level software needed to operate, optimize and automate AO systems.
- Python programming expertise.
- Ability to develop a concept from an initial proposal to a fully functional and operational system. Personnel management skills including coaching, mentoring, and motivation of team members.
- Experience in the development and use of key systems analysis tools: performance modeling; error budgets; requirements analysis; system verification.
- Understanding of astronomical science needs as it relates to AO systems.
- Previous experience in an astronomical observatory setting.
- Experience developing funding proposals.
- A broad understanding of the multiple engineering disciplines needed to develop adaptive optics systems.
