HET Resident Astronomer, McDonald Observatory

* Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)* Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options* Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays* Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan with employer-matching funds* Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)* Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses**Engineering Operations.** Conduct projects to characterize and/or improve night operations. Work with instrument scientists and engineering staff to support, maintain, and document the performance of the HET and its instruments. Coordinate with visiting and remote engineering staff to complete engineering, instrument commissioning, and observing goals. Provide support and advice to maximize observing run outputs. Monitor the condition of the facility’s science instruments. Document the current status of science operations and the facility through wikis and web pages.**Administrative Operations.** Work with other resident astronomers to maintain a fully staffed work schedule every night of the year. Attend general and night-time operation staff meetings. Keep accurate and updated time sheets and complete required training and paperwork in a timely manner. Perform other duties as assigned to meet business operations.* Master’s degree in astronomy or physics, or equivalent.* Two years of instrumentation, observations, or data reduction experience with 1+m class telescopes collecting science-grade astronomical data.* A strong demonstrated commitment to service astronomy.* Research experience in any area of astronomy.* At least two years of experience with a scientific programming language.* Ability to organize and prioritize work and to meet deadlines and expectations.* Self-driven individual with keen technical ability and a systematic and detail-oriented approach.* Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and strong team player.* Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.* Ability to communicate effectively at all scientific, engineering, and administrative levels.* Ability to work efficiently and productively with small teams (listen, seek clarification, and take feedback) during time-critical science operations.* Proficient computer skills.* Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and as an integral member of a project team.* Demonstrable good judgment.* Competencies include accuracy and attention to detail, decision making and critical thinking, effective communication, initiative, interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and service excellence.* *Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.** PhD in astronomy or physics, or equivalent.* Two years of instrumentation, observations, or data reduction experience working on 3+m class telescopes in optical and/or near infrared spectroscopy.* Postdoctoral research experience and a strong track record of research outputs and publications.* Capacity to oversee software development related to data acquisition, reduction, and analysis.* Proficiency in using Linux operating systems; experience writing code in Python or C++.* Ability to conduct personal research projects with the HET or other McDonald telescopes.* A strong demonstrated commitment to service astronomy.In 2024, The University of Texas at Austin was recognized as a 5 Year Champion having placed in the top 10 among Texas employers and top 15 for higher education institutions on Forbes’s list of 500 best large employers five years running. The University’s aspiration to become the world’s highest-impact public research university is driven by our outstanding people. Our employees are the bedrock of our university and are empowered to be true to themselves, to participate fully in our vibrant university, and to thrive as individuals. UT Austin offers competitive salaries, full benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education and public service.Please see our .**Comments and Inquiries:**Email comments to:

.

For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact .Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: .

For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at (512) 471-4772, or toll-free at (800) 687-4178. #J-18808-Ljbffr