Telescope and Instrument Operator

The Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) is a forefront sub-mm single dish telescope located in the high Andes, on the Llano de Chajnantor at 5100 m.a.s.l. The APEX telescope hosts a suite of cutting-edge mm and sub-mm instrumentation, including single and multi-pixel heterodyne instruments as well as bolometer cameras (http://www.apex-telescope.org). The APEX project is a collaboration between the Max Planck Institut für Radioastronomie (MPIfR), ESO and the Onsala Space Observatory.

The successful candidate will be part of the APEX project and he/she will contribute to the scientific operation of the APEX observatory, giving support to external multinational teams coming to observe with the APEX telescope.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

We seek for a telescope and instrument operator for the APEX observatory. He/she will join a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, in total 19 people. He/she will be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the antenna, support observations in service mode, develop calibration and quality control procedures for the instruments, control the configuration of the system, and develop operation procedures for the telescope. The main tasks of the successful candidate will include:

• Observe (form the base station as well as from the high site at 5100m) under the direct supervision of an astronomer, but also independently following an observing sequence prepared by an astronomer;
• Train supporting astronomers for observations at APEX and be a contact point for observations;
• Online and offline data reduction;
• Documentation of the observations;
• Participation in the commissioning of instruments;
• Monitor the performance of scientific instruments, the antenna system as well as the observing software;
• Detect, document and solve possible problems of the scientific instruments, the antenna or its subsystems cooperating with the engineering group;
• Perform regular maintenance of instruments, including cryogenic operations with liquid gases; and
• Design, develop, implement and maintain software tools for the observation preparation, observation and data reduction.

Reports to:

The science operations team comprises of staff astronomers, telescope and instrument operators and observing specialists. As a member of this group the telescope and instrument operator reports to the Head of the Science Operations Group.

Experience:

The candidate shall have a profound and proven experience in, at least, two of the following areas:

• Multi-system software/hardware communication (e.g. CORBA).
• Object-oriented programming.
• Computer scripting programming.
• System or network administration under LINUX.
• Data analysis (statistical analyses, data mining, trend analysis).
• Machine learning.
• Database handling.
• RF electronics.

Key Competences:

Team working skills:

• Contributes ideas for improvements and developments to common team goals;
• Has a flexible attitude to team roles; shares and documents own knowledge, experience and skills to enable others to meet team and organization's goals;
• Is comfortable working as part of a team, sharing responsibilities and proactively interacting with other team members.

Self-development skills:

• Develops own skills and ensures that learning and developments needs are identified, solutions found and outcomes evaluated;
• Ability to autonomously carry out tasks and small projects;
• High sense of responsibility in the delivery of tasks on time and according to the required standard.

Qualifications:

We seek a professional with a solid background in physics, astronomy, computer science, electronic engineering or equivalent. A university degree and/or experience in telescope and instrument operations would be assets, but are not required. Candidates should have the ability to work independently as well as members of a team. A working level of English (written and spoken) is required for this position. The successful candidate is also required to have a valid driver license.

Language Skills:

The position requires a working knowledge of English.

Remuneration and Contract:

The initial contract is for a period of two years with the possibility of an indefinite extension, subject to evaluation. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.

Duty Station:

The post is based at APEX Sequitor, near to San Pedro de Atacama. The successful candidate must be able and willing to perform work also at the high site of Chajnantor at 5.100 m a.s.l.

Aptness to work at high altitude and a positive high altitude medical certificate will be required prior to a contract offer.

The working schedule is a 7-night shift on-site, followed by 7 nights off duty. Accommodation is provided on site.

Place of residence shall be either Santiago or Antofagasta.

Career Path:

IV

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit (<http://www.eso.org>) for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online at <http://recruitment.eso.org/>. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV.

Closing date for applications is September 1, 2016.

No nationality is in principle excluded, however applicants, Chilean or of foreign nationality, must have the pertinent working permit, according to Chilean regulations.

The post is equally open to suitably qualified female and male applicants.