Observing Assistant or Associate presso NOIRLab (NSF NOIRLab)

The NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NSF’s NOIR Lab) program, has an opening for at least one Observing Assistant or Associate (OA), depending on experience, to join the Observing Support Team, operating the complex Mayall 4m and WIYN 3.5m telescopes located at Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO). 

The OA provides fundamental support for astronomers who use these telescopes and their instruments and is responsible for making scientific and technical decisions that maximize the scientific yield.  The Mayall 4m is currently dedicated to the five-year Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument survey (DESI), which utilizes a robotic 5000-fiber focal plate feeding a series of ten spectrographs to carry out a comprehensive redshift survey of over 30 million galaxies.  A large portion of the WIYN 3.5-m telescope time is dedicated to a NASA-funded radial velocity follow up of exoplanet candidates using NN-EXPLORE Exoplanet Investigations with Doppler Spectroscopy (NEID), a high precision spectrograph. Both projects are exciting initiatives operating at the frontier of astronomical research and the supporting OA is crucial to their success.  Additional imaging and spectroscopic instruments are utilized on WIYN by the University partners in the WIYN consortium as well as the NN-EXPLORE community.

An OA typically works a 6-night shift in a 15-day rotation, residing in dormitory accommodations on Kitt Peak for the duration of the night shift. There may be deviations from this schedule in the event of a need to cover for absences.  The two OAs, one at each telescope, are responsible for supporting operations at night, and regularly confer with each other about weather conditions, telescope or instrument problems, unusual events or emergency situations.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts a walk-through of the facility prior to operations to verify the integrity of automatic systems, safety, and to inspect for unreported failures.  
• Carries out safety briefings for on-site observers.
• Acts as the Kitt Peak safety watch 4pm until sunrise
• Operates the telescope at night for the observing astronomers, evaluates suitability of weather conditions for observing and continued operation, monitors telescope and instrument performance, and tracks data quality.
• Verbally communicates clearly and effectively with on-site and remote observers operating the instruments during nightly operations. 
• Provides clear and accurate reports concerning technical, safety or facilities problems, and for initial troubleshooting, workarounds or solutions implemented.
• Assists technical and engineering staff with verification of proper telescope and instrument performance.
• Provides basic services including supplying and requisitioning gases and cryogenic liquids, upkeep of consumable material stocks, maintaining on-line documentation, coordination of observing logs and observing statistics.
• May assist daytime technical staff with instrument installation, maintenance or preparation for observing operations; becomes familiar with data acquisition techniques and rudimentary data quality assessment.
• Participates in emergency medical training to at least First Responder level, learns to man the fire response station and how to run the ambulance and fire truck.
• Takes appropriate action with site safety and emergency procedures. 
• Reports possible snow or obstructions on observatory road to Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) as necessary.

Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, engineering or related field is expected; however, substantial experience with the operation of complex computer-controlled opto-mechanical or similar equipment may be acceptable. 
• An understanding of, or practical experience with telescopes, optical or infrared astronomical instruments, electronic detectors, or astronomical observing techniques are preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work night shifts up to 15.5 hours in length for up to 6 consecutive nights in a typical 15-day rotation, and reside on site during the shift.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. 
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl. 
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
• Must be able to climb up and down narrow stairways and ladders, work in confined spaces, and work at 7,000 feet altitude for sustained periods of time in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.
• The successful candidate will be physically capable of working at altitudes of 7000 feet above sea level and of performing tasks on and around the telescope and the dome.

Why Join Us

At NSF’s NOIRLab, we believe in science for everyone. Our Data Management and Software division is committed to building high-performance, scalable solutions that drive progress and support the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies in our operations. You will join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values creativity, innovation and technical excellence. Your work will directly enable scientific breakthroughs and provide critical operational support to astronomers worldwide — and you will help shape how a new generation explores and interacts with the night sky.

Salary Range:

$50,550 - 59,633. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/ 

How to Apply

Apply by October 27, 2025 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at [email protected]