Rubin Observatory System Performance Postdoctoral Researcher

To achieve the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) primary scientific goals, a detailed understanding of the integrated as-built system performance of the Rubin observatory, telescope, camera, image processing and their relation to final derived data products is required.  Since the beginning of construction, to achieve a deep understanding of the overall system, the project has developed and used several tools and analysis processes, which are mostly written in Python. The System Performance Postdoctoral Researcher position is extensively involved with the continuing assessment of the project's technical and scientific performance metrics based on as-built data by building on and optimizing the project's existing tooling during further integration, verification, and eventually operation.  

The System Performance Post Doc is a key member of the System Integration and Test and Commissioning (SIT-Com) team, with activities based in La Serena, Chile and Tucson, AZ, USA. 

This position closely collaborates with the Project Scientist, System and Subsystem Scientists, as well as with the integrated SIT-Com team, and it reports to the System Scientist.  

This position can be based in La Serena, Chile or Tucson, AZ, USA, with frequent extended trips to Chile. The position is expected to last through construction (concluding 2025) with the expectation to extend the position through 1-2 years of early Operations. 

Essential Functions: 

• Is the main system-level point of contact for all the as-built data. 
• Works closely with the Project Scientist, the System Scientist, Subsystem Scientists, and other project personnel on the performance evaluation of the system. 
• Is responsible for updating the error budget tree as commissioning evolves. 

Other Functions: 

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: 

• PhD in Astronomy, Physics or related fields. 
• At least 2-5 years of related experience, including commissioning scientific hardware and/or software systems, preferably those related to astronomy. 
• Experience developing and testing/verifying optical systems in the field or laboratory. 
• Outstanding analytical skills. 
• Working knowledge of Python (main project language) or similar (e.g. C++, Java). 
• Strong track record of problem-solving. 
• Able to effectively communicate in English and cooperate with others at all levels of the organization. 
• Ability to speak and write effectively in English, with experience in the preparation of comprehensive technical report. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with large, globally distributed teams. 
• Willingness to travel to the observatory locations as the need arises. 
• Must have a valid Driver’s License; clean driving record; ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle. 

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities: 

• Knowledge in the use of Zemax, Code V, or similar optical design and analysis tools. 
• Experience working with GitHub and associated processes or similar. 

Physical Requirements: 

The physical requirements 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 25 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, fax machines, 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. 
• Work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet).   
• For summit positions, consider: 1) Cerro Tololo: Able to climb stairs and work at 2,225 mts altitude; 2) Cerro Pachón: Ability to work at 2,713 meters altitude, sometimes during inclement weather. 
• Required to pass medical examination (post offer and potentially at specified intervals while employed, if medically necessary). 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by February 15, 2023.

Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume in English, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 

• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to [email protected] . 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at [email protected]  

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/employee-benefits-guide/