Department

PSD Astronomy & Astrophysics: Administration and Staff

About the Department

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics offers undergraduate (B.A.,B.S.) and graduate (Ph.D.) degrees in Astrophysics, with a program for non-STEM undergraduates leading to a Minor in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The Department has 32 teaching faculty, in addition to emeriti and research faculty.

Job Summary

The MAROON-X instrument is an extreme precision radial velocity instrument on the 8m Gemini North telescope. The Instrument Technician will conduct research and assist Prof. Jacob Bean’s group with reporting findings. MAROON-X is operated fully remotely, and is used by both Prof. Bean’s team and the diverse Gemini community. The Instrument Technician will assist with the operation of MAROON-X to provide high quality data (spectra and radial velocities) to the user community. The ultimate impact will be the publication of new scientific results.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the operation of MAROON-X and its data reduction pipeline, and assists with the transition to facility status.
• Improves and documents software and assists with instrument interventions.
• Coordinates and observes runs, along with perform nighttime observations.
• Oversees the instrument health status and runs the data reduction pipeline.
• Assists with observing and reporting findings for funding proposal preparation.
• Trains students and peers to use the MAROON- X instrument.
• Packages data for delivery to community users.
• Provides and maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• A college or university degree in astronomy or a related field.

Experience:

• Background working in an academic setting.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Computer programming, particularly Python.
• Knowledge of astronomical spectroscopy and exoplanet detection techniques.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Work in a diverse group that includes students, postdocs, and senior scientists.
• Juggle multiple tasks and meet desired deadlines.

Working Conditions

• Office setting.
• Occasional work outside normal business hours, including observing and responding to instrument emergencies.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

​
FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

​
Pay Range

$25.00 - $30.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.