University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)
Support Astronomer for Lick Observatory
University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Overview
University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a Support Astronomer for Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton. UCO's mission is to provide UC astronomers with access to forefront optical and infrared observatories, to design and build advanced instrumentation for the Lick, Keck, and Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Observatories, and to provide an organization that can coordinate astronomy groups throughout the UC system in support of their ground-based observing. UCO is a multi-campus astronomical research unit of UC, with headquarters on the UCSC campus. UCO operates the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton and technical laboratories at UCSC and UCLA, and funds instrumentation-related activities around the UC system. UCO is a managing partner of the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, and the focal point for UC participation in the TMT project.
Responsibilities Scientific Support (60%)
Provide the following technical and scientific support to observers:
Instrument setup and calibration.
Observer training and checkouts.
On-call troubleshooting and recovery.
Operate and maintain Lick instrumentation, including ShaneAO and associated laser systems:
Setup, calibration, and optimization of Adaptive Optics equipment.
Manage LGS operations on laser nights.
Support approximately 65–80 nights per year of observing.
Assist with development and/or commissioning of new equipment.
Create and update technical manuals and user documentation.
Maintain remote observing systems (e.g., Windows VM images).
Work collaboratively with off-site personnel to address real-time technical issues — including monitor, respond to and process time-critical events (e.g. Targets of Opportunity).
Participate in training workshops and hands-on observer instruction (e.g., Graduate Student Workshop).
Address user needs with professionalism across a range of technical abilities and backgrounds.
Conduct independent research (with encouragement to publish results).
Respond in person to on-call emergencies within 40 minutes.
Public Programs & Outreach (40%)
Assist the Public Education Manager in planning and managing Lick Observatory’s summer public programs.
Coordinate vendors for talent, both musical and scientific.
Handle logistics including registration, scheduling, materials, and on-site execution.
Ensure budget compliance and process financial transactions.
Serve as onsite leader for most public program nights.
Deliver presentations and night sky tours during public and fundraising events.
Support & lead private on-site events such as film crews, media access, and local partnership events.
Provide on-call support of events throughout the year.
Liaise with stakeholders including UCSC administrative offices, external vendors, and public partners.
Contribute to communication materials and storytelling that highlight Lick’s scientific and historical contributions.
The position requires that the Support Astronomer reside at Lick Observatory at Mount Hamilton (a remote, rural environment and community) during night operations shifts and secure their own transportation to and from the worksite. Subsidized university owned housing at Lick Observatory at Mount Hamilton (a remote, rural environment and community) may be available to rent for the support astronomer.
Working Conditions
Frequent nighttime and weekend work required, including approximately five nights on-call per month.
Evening and night commitments during observing runs and public events.
Occasional extended workdays during major workshops or summer programs.
Must be able to work safely in a remote mountaintop observatory environment.
Qualifications
Candidates with the following areas of expertise are especially encouraged to apply:
Experience operating large telescopes and managing both daytime and nighttime observatory operations.
Strong troubleshooting skills for time-sensitive technical issues.
Familiarity with programming languages (e.g., Python, C, Tcl) and data reduction environments (e.g., IRAF, IDL, Starlink).
Experience developing or commissioning scientific instruments.
Knowledge of astronomy history and night sky lore.
Demonstrated ability to engage diverse audiences and support inclusive public education.
Appreciation for working with historically significant telescopes and facilities.
Strong organizational and time-management skills for event coordination.
Strong written/verbal communication skills.
PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Planetary Science, or related field.
The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.
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University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a Support Astronomer for Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton. UCO's mission is to provide UC astronomers with access to forefront optical and infrared observatories, to design and build advanced instrumentation for the Lick, Keck, and Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Observatories, and to provide an organization that can coordinate astronomy groups throughout the UC system in support of their ground-based observing. UCO is a multi-campus astronomical research unit of UC, with headquarters on the UCSC campus. UCO operates the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton and technical laboratories at UCSC and UCLA, and funds instrumentation-related activities around the UC system. UCO is a managing partner of the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, and the focal point for UC participation in the TMT project.
Responsibilities Scientific Support (60%)
Provide the following technical and scientific support to observers:
Instrument setup and calibration.
Observer training and checkouts.
On-call troubleshooting and recovery.
Operate and maintain Lick instrumentation, including ShaneAO and associated laser systems:
Setup, calibration, and optimization of Adaptive Optics equipment.
Manage LGS operations on laser nights.
Support approximately 65–80 nights per year of observing.
Assist with development and/or commissioning of new equipment.
Create and update technical manuals and user documentation.
Maintain remote observing systems (e.g., Windows VM images).
Work collaboratively with off-site personnel to address real-time technical issues — including monitor, respond to and process time-critical events (e.g. Targets of Opportunity).
Participate in training workshops and hands-on observer instruction (e.g., Graduate Student Workshop).
Address user needs with professionalism across a range of technical abilities and backgrounds.
Conduct independent research (with encouragement to publish results).
Respond in person to on-call emergencies within 40 minutes.
Public Programs & Outreach (40%)
Assist the Public Education Manager in planning and managing Lick Observatory’s summer public programs.
Coordinate vendors for talent, both musical and scientific.
Handle logistics including registration, scheduling, materials, and on-site execution.
Ensure budget compliance and process financial transactions.
Serve as onsite leader for most public program nights.
Deliver presentations and night sky tours during public and fundraising events.
Support & lead private on-site events such as film crews, media access, and local partnership events.
Provide on-call support of events throughout the year.
Liaise with stakeholders including UCSC administrative offices, external vendors, and public partners.
Contribute to communication materials and storytelling that highlight Lick’s scientific and historical contributions.
The position requires that the Support Astronomer reside at Lick Observatory at Mount Hamilton (a remote, rural environment and community) during night operations shifts and secure their own transportation to and from the worksite. Subsidized university owned housing at Lick Observatory at Mount Hamilton (a remote, rural environment and community) may be available to rent for the support astronomer.
Working Conditions
Frequent nighttime and weekend work required, including approximately five nights on-call per month.
Evening and night commitments during observing runs and public events.
Occasional extended workdays during major workshops or summer programs.
Must be able to work safely in a remote mountaintop observatory environment.
Qualifications
Candidates with the following areas of expertise are especially encouraged to apply:
Experience operating large telescopes and managing both daytime and nighttime observatory operations.
Strong troubleshooting skills for time-sensitive technical issues.
Familiarity with programming languages (e.g., Python, C, Tcl) and data reduction environments (e.g., IRAF, IDL, Starlink).
Experience developing or commissioning scientific instruments.
Knowledge of astronomy history and night sky lore.
Demonstrated ability to engage diverse audiences and support inclusive public education.
Appreciation for working with historically significant telescopes and facilities.
Strong organizational and time-management skills for event coordination.
Strong written/verbal communication skills.
PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Planetary Science, or related field.
The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.
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