Project Scientist

The Giant Magellan Telescope is one of the most powerful ground-based telescopes ever engineered. It is designed to push the boundaries of human knowledge and explore the unknown. Now under construction at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the premier locations on Earth for astronomy, the telescope will deliver the highest-performing combination of image quality, field of view, and light sensitivity ever achieved. From this southern hemisphere location, the Giant Magellan Telescope will use seven of the world’s largest mirrors to uncover the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, investigate the origins of chemical elements, and search for signs of life on distant exoplanets.

When complete in the 2030s, the Giant Magellan Telescope will be one of the largest public-private funded science projects in history. It is the work of the GMTO Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and international research consortium, founded by 16 universities and research institutions from the United States, Chile, Australia, Brazil, Israel, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Our culture is impactful, inclusive, and fearlessly innovative. We tackle the most complex engineering challenges and scientific questions alongside talented individuals who share a passion for advancing humanity’s understanding of the Universe.

We invite you to join our team and leave your mark on the future of astronomy and beyond.

The Universe Awaits®

Project Science Team

Chief Scientist

Reporting to the GMTO Chief Scientist (CS), the Project Scientist (PS) will assist and support the CS in all aspects of the scientific definition, development, and planning efforts for design and construction of the GMT observatory, and in interacting with the scientific community.

To this end, the PS will have a variety of specific responsibilities working with the GMTO Science Advisory Committee; working with the Project Manager and technical team; supporting the activities of the Development and Communications team and the Education and Public Outreach team. The successful candidate will represent the project at national and international meetings.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced observational astronomer with at least 10 years of post-doctoral experience in research, writing publications and grants, and giving scientific, technical, and public talks.  Research and observational experience should include a range of observational techniques, data analysis and reduction. The ideal candidate will also have experience in the development of optical and infrared imagers and spectrographs, adaptive optical (AO) systems, and the integration and scientific operation of AO-enabled high-contrast, high spatial resolution, and high temporal resolution astronomical instrumentation

Work with the Chief Scientist to provide scientific leadership for the GMT Project. Specific areas of support will include:

• the scientific and logistical organization of the annual Community Science Meetings.
• Serve as an ex-officio member and vice-Chair of the Science Advisory Committee to support the Chair in coordinate the activities and presentations to the SAC and organize SAC meetings.
• Monitor and refine the scientific, functional, and operational requirements for the Observatory as appropriate, responding to evolution of the field and input from the community and Project.
• Maintain the GMT Observatory Level One Requirements.
• Work closely with the GMT project Manager, Project Engineer and System Engineer to ensure the implementation of the Level 1 Requirements throughout the construction and commissioning phases.
• Serve as a member of the GMT Change Control Board.
• Works closely with the Science Instrument Element Manager to develop the first-generation science instruments and develop the second-generation instrumentation plan.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the science requirements for the GMT instruments during the development of the first-generation instruments, in collaboration with the Science Instrument Element Manager.
• Work with the Project Manager on the development of the operational plans for the observatory.
• Work with the Lead Systems Engineer to guide commissioning activities.
• Support GMT’s Development and Communications Team as needed.
• Support GMT’s Education and Public Outreach activities as needed.

• A PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field.
• 10 years post-doctoral experience engaged in observational research using ground-based observatories.
• Demonstrated analytical, leadership, management, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in scientific writing and verbal communication in English.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in diverse scientific, technical, and public environments
• Ability to travel and work in a variety of environments, including the GMTO offices in Pasadena, Santiago (Chile), international GMTO partner sites, and the GMTO site within Las Campanas Observatory (LCO) in Chile.

• Experience in instrument development for ground-based observatories
• Experience in the development and use of adaptive optics systems on 8-m class telescopes.
• Experience with the daytime and nighttime operation of 8-m class optical observatories.
• Experience supporting the development of international scientific projects

• Open-plan office spaces
• Indoor and outdoor fabrication and construction sites
• National and international travel

• Ability to travel by air between US, Chile, and international work sites
• Ability to function safely and effectively in remote and high elevation (2500m/8500ft) observatory environments

None

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance

$155,000- $240,000

The salary for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, and training.

To apply send your resume or CV and a cover letter to careers@gmto.org.

If your skills and experience are a match for the position or if we need additional information, we will contact you. If we do not see a suitable match between your qualifications and the position, we will keep your information on file in the event future positions become available that are more suitable to your qualifications.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation Human Resources Representative.