Remote Observer

CFHT Corporation•Waimea, HI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corporation (CFHT) is seeking a qualified individual to perform science observations and operate its 3.6-meter telescope, located at the summit of Maunakea. This role involves remote operation from Waimea or on-site at the summit, focusing on Queued Service Observing (QSO) mode. The Remote Observer (RO) is responsible for ensuring the safety of all operations and contributing to other aspects of the Remote Observing Process (ROP). The position offers an opportunity to enhance knowledge in optical and near-infrared imaging, Fourier Transform spectroscopy, optical and near-infrared spectropolarimetry, and high-precision velocimetry. Applications are reviewed as received, with a desired start date no later than January 2027. For inquiries, contact Dr. Nadine Manset at [email protected].

Requirements

A B.S./B.A. degree in astrophysics, physics, science or equivalent knowledge.
Excellent knowledge of observational techniques and instruments used in optical- infrared astronomy.
Good knowledge of telescope operation and experience with UNIX , Linux or similar environments a must.
Ability and willingness to work irregular and late hours and at night.
Willingness to work at least 6 consecutive nights shifts averaging 13 hours in duration.
Ability and willingness to report for work on short notice, at night, on weekends and on holidays.
Must have a telephone.
Good written and communication skills.
Ability to produce clear and consistent documentation.
High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others.
Strong sense of team spirit and initiative.
Ability, certified by a physician, to perform duties effectively and safely at the CFHT summit site, characterized by an altitude of 4200 meters, low temperature and low humidity.
Ability to drive a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to the CFHT site, on a partly unpaved mountain road, during the day and at night.

Nice To Haves

Students who have recently graduated and have knowledge and some experience of observational techniques and instruments used in optical-infrared astronomy are especially encouraged to apply.
Experience with calibration and automated processing, data reduction and evaluation is a plus.
Skill in maintaining and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, optical, and electronic Equipment.
Experience in software programming.

Responsibilities

Operates the telescope and all its associated systems (building systems, dome shutter, windscreen, autoguiders, etc.) in QSO or Classical mode in a remote environment or from the summit.
Verifies and monitors all systems to ensure safe operation and optimum thermal and light conditions.
Evaluates weather conditions and dome environment.
Exercises judgment to ensure the safe operation of the telescope and instruments, to assess the feasibility of scientific observations.
Has the responsibility and authority to shutdown the facility in response to weather conditions and for safety reasons.
Selects the observations to be performed based on an understanding of the impact of the weather conditions and image quality on the scientific objectives of the scheduled programs.
Must be able to work independently and autonomously.
Performs other functions that relate to QSO observing.
Regularly reviews science programs, instruments manuals, and calibration procedures in order to understand their objectives and impact on the observations.
Reports problems encountered during observations and evaluates the instrument performance.
Assists the visiting observers in the use of the CFHT instrumentation scheduled in Classical mode with data acquisition software and other facilities to perform observations from the summit for instruments not operated in the QSO mode or observations carried outside of QSO mode, including dewar fill, instrument night-time setup, and calibrations.
Assists technical staff and visiting astronomers using those instruments.
Participates in general activities, outside of night time duties, related to the operation of an astronomical telescope such as implementing, testing, evaluating and improving the observing process subsystems, data reduction, data analysis, data distribution, and queue coordination.
Keeps current in scientific knowledge and participates in science related activities such as seminars and talks.
Works effectively with others by sharing ideas in a collaborative, positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress and issues; addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical solutions; and respecting the diversity of the CFHT workforce.
Maintains commitment to a high standard of safety, complies with all safety laws and CFHT safety policies/rules, and reports actual and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
Ensures the safety of all personnel and equipment at the summit, whether working at the summit or remotely.
Participates in the maintenance and updates of Web pages on procedures and information related to service observing in the QSO mode and telescope operation.
Assists in the training of Remote Observers.
Contributes to community engagement efforts, outreach and other tasks of general interests (WWW home page, Annual Report, etc.)
Performs other related duties as assigned.