{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"f05fa02e97d0c1e4fa0a5567","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/f05fa02e97d0c1e4fa0a5567","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/f05fa02e97d0c1e4fa0a5567","title":"Assistant Queue Observer","description":"Are you passionate about astronomy, observational science, and advanced instrumentation? Do you enjoy working at the intersection of science, technology, and discovery?\r\nWe are seeking an Assistant Queue Observer to support operations of the NEID spectrograph, a state-of-the-art instrument designed to detect and characterize exoplanets through ultra-precise radial velocity measurements. In this role, you will work directly with scientists, engineers, and observatory staff to execute observations, monitor instrument performance, support telescope operations, and help maximize the scientific impact of one of the world's premier astronomical facilities.\r\nThis is an exceptional opportunity for candidates with backgrounds in astronomy, physics, engineering, or related technical disciplines who want hands-on experience with cutting-edge astronomical instrumentation and scientific operations.\r\nWhat you'll do\r\nScientific Observations & Instrument Operations\r\nExecute queue-scheduled observations using the NEID spectrograph at the WIYN 3.5-meter Telescope.\r\nOperate and monitor the NEID spectrograph and associated systems during scheduled observing shifts.\r\nPerform nightly and daytime instrument calibrations.\r\nEvaluate instrument performance through routine data quality checks and quick-look analysis.\r\nAdjust observing plans in real time based on weather, telescope conditions, and scientific priorities.\r\nMaintain detailed observing logs and documentation of instrument and system status.\r\nTechnical Operations & Troubleshooting\r\nSupport day and night operations of the NEID instrument and related subsystems.\r\nIdentify, troubleshoot, and help resolve technical issues affecting observations or instrument performance.\r\nParticipate in preventative maintenance and system upkeep activities.\r\nAssist with engineering tests, commissioning activities, and scientific verification projects.\r\nCollaborate with scientists and engineers on operational improvements and instrument development efforts.\r\nObservatory Support\r\nCross-train in WIYN telescope operations.\r\nSupport additional observatory instrumentation through calibrations and user assistance.\r\nAssist the Queue Coordinator with observing schedule development and observation tracking.\r\nContribute to projects that enhance observatory efficiency and scientific productivity.\r\nWhat we're looking for\r\nRequired qualifications\r\nBachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, or a related scientific or technical discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.\r\nExperience with astronomical observing, scientific instrumentation, laboratory systems, or other complex technical equipment.\r\nUnderstanding of physics, astronomy, engineering, electronics, or closely related disciplines.\r\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills.\r\nAbility to learn and operate sophisticated instrumentation and software systems.\r\nExcellent written and verbal communication skills.\r\nDemonstrated initiative, reliability, and attention to detail.\r\nAbility to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.\r\nPreferred Qualifications\r\nProfessional experience operating telescopes, observatory systems, or scientific instrumentation.\r\nMaster's degree in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, or a related field.\r\nExperience with spectroscopic instrumentation or spectroscopic data analysis.\r\nProgramming experience in Linux/Unix environments and languages such as Python, Java, or Perl.\r\nExperience with queue-scheduled observing programs.\r\nFamiliarity with astronomical data acquisition and reduction techniques.\r\nThis position is ideal for individuals who enjoy a dynamic, hands-on scientific environment and are comfortable working nontraditional schedules in support of world-class research.\r\nThe successful candidate must\r\nBe willing to work approximately 10-14 nights per month at Kitt Peak National Observatory.\r\nBe available to work weekends, holidays, and occasional extended shifts as operational needs require.\r\nBe able to work at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet.\r\nComplete required safety training, including First Aid, CPR/AED, and other required certifications.\r\nThe NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai'i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for our community.\r\nAs an Assistant Queue Observer, you will play a direct role in enabling groundbreaking astronomical research and exoplanet discovery. You'll gain experience operating advanced astronomical instrumentation, collaborate with leading scientists and engineers, and contribute to observations that help answer some of the most compelling questions in modern astronomy.\r\nIf you're excited by observational astronomy, advanced instrumentation, and supporting scientific discovery, we'd love to hear from you.\r\nSalary Range: $53,000 – $65,000 per year. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.\r\nAURA 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 atBenefits by Location - Aura Human Resources\r\nPreference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation .\r\nEqual Opportunity Employer\r\nThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.\r\nJ-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Teaching With Telescopes","rawCompany":"teaching with telescopes","city":"Brooklyn","state":"NY","isRemote":false,"isActive":true,"createdAt":"2026-09-15T13:15:59.404Z","occupations":[{"code":"19-2011.00","title":"Astronomers","slug":"astronomers"},{"code":"19-2099.00","title":"Physical Scientists, All Other","slug":"physical-scientists-all-other"},{"code":"19-2012.00","title":"Physicists","slug":"physicists"}],"industries":[{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"},{"code":"611310","title":"Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools","slug":"colleges-universities-and-professional-schools"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Assistant Queue Observer","description":"Are you passionate about astronomy, observational science, and advanced instrumentation? Do you enjoy working at the intersection of science, technology, and discovery?\r\nWe are seeking an Assistant Queue Observer to support operations of the NEID spectrograph, a state-of-the-art instrument designed to detect and characterize exoplanets through ultra-precise radial velocity measurements. In this role, you will work directly with scientists, engineers, and observatory staff to execute observations, monitor instrument performance, support telescope operations, and help maximize the scientific impact of one of the world's premier astronomical facilities.\r\nThis is an exceptional opportunity for candidates with backgrounds in astronomy, physics, engineering, or related technical disciplines who want hands-on experience with cutting-edge astronomical instrumentation and scientific operations.\r\nWhat you'll do\r\nScientific Observations & Instrument Operations\r\nExecute queue-scheduled observations using the NEID spectrograph at the WIYN 3.5-meter Telescope.\r\nOperate and monitor the NEID spectrograph and associated systems during scheduled observing shifts.\r\nPerform nightly and daytime instrument calibrations.\r\nEvaluate instrument performance through routine data quality checks and quick-look analysis.\r\nAdjust observing plans in real time based on weather, telescope conditions, and scientific priorities.\r\nMaintain detailed observing logs and documentation of instrument and system status.\r\nTechnical Operations & Troubleshooting\r\nSupport day and night operations of the NEID instrument and related subsystems.\r\nIdentify, troubleshoot, and help resolve technical issues affecting observations or instrument performance.\r\nParticipate in preventative maintenance and system upkeep activities.\r\nAssist with engineering tests, commissioning activities, and scientific verification projects.\r\nCollaborate with scientists and engineers on operational improvements and instrument development efforts.\r\nObservatory Support\r\nCross-train in WIYN telescope operations.\r\nSupport additional observatory instrumentation through calibrations and user assistance.\r\nAssist the Queue Coordinator with observing schedule development and observation tracking.\r\nContribute to projects that enhance observatory efficiency and scientific productivity.\r\nWhat we're looking for\r\nRequired qualifications\r\nBachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, or a related scientific or technical discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.\r\nExperience with astronomical observing, scientific instrumentation, laboratory systems, or other complex technical equipment.\r\nUnderstanding of physics, astronomy, engineering, electronics, or closely related disciplines.\r\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills.\r\nAbility to learn and operate sophisticated instrumentation and software systems.\r\nExcellent written and verbal communication skills.\r\nDemonstrated initiative, reliability, and attention to detail.\r\nAbility to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.\r\nPreferred Qualifications\r\nProfessional experience operating telescopes, observatory systems, or scientific instrumentation.\r\nMaster's degree in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, or a related field.\r\nExperience with spectroscopic instrumentation or spectroscopic data analysis.\r\nProgramming experience in Linux/Unix environments and languages such as Python, Java, or Perl.\r\nExperience with queue-scheduled observing programs.\r\nFamiliarity with astronomical data acquisition and reduction techniques.\r\nThis position is ideal for individuals who enjoy a dynamic, hands-on scientific environment and are comfortable working nontraditional schedules in support of world-class research.\r\nThe successful candidate must\r\nBe willing to work approximately 10-14 nights per month at Kitt Peak National Observatory.\r\nBe available to work weekends, holidays, and occasional extended shifts as operational needs require.\r\nBe able to work at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet.\r\nComplete required safety training, including First Aid, CPR/AED, and other required certifications.\r\nThe NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai'i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for our community.\r\nAs an Assistant Queue Observer, you will play a direct role in enabling groundbreaking astronomical research and exoplanet discovery. You'll gain experience operating advanced astronomical instrumentation, collaborate with leading scientists and engineers, and contribute to observations that help answer some of the most compelling questions in modern astronomy.\r\nIf you're excited by observational astronomy, advanced instrumentation, and supporting scientific discovery, we'd love to hear from you.\r\nSalary Range: $53,000 – $65,000 per year. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.\r\nAURA 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 atBenefits by Location - Aura Human Resources\r\nPreference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation .\r\nEqual Opportunity Employer\r\nThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.\r\nJ-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-09-15T13:15:59.404Z","dateModified":"2026-09-15T13:15:59.404Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Teaching With Telescopes","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Brooklyn","addressRegion":"NY","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"f05fa02e97d0c1e4fa0a5567"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/f05fa02e97d0c1e4fa0a5567"}}