Science Operations Assistant (October 2025)

Las Campanas Observatory (LCO), Carnegie Institution for Science Observatories

Las Campanas Observatory (LCO) of the Carnegie Institution for Science Observatories—a world‑class astronomical institution—has an opening for a Science Operations Assistant (SOA) to work on the two 6.5‑meter Magellan telescopes.

As a key team member, the SOA will operate the telescopes and ensure the safe, efficient execution of night‑time observations. The successful candidate will have a solid grasp of the instrumentation suite to provide basic technical support for visiting and remote astronomers and will contribute to first‑line troubleshooting of telescope and instrument issues.

Job Description
- Operate the Magellan telescopes and instruments to ensure safe, efficient night operations.
- Monitor weather and site conditions and assess their impact on observing.
- Maintain clear, timely communication with visiting and remote astronomers.
- Perform basic troubleshooting; assist the technical team in diagnosing, resolving, and documenting issues.




- Write nightly and weekly reports on observations, system status, and performance.
- Contribute to the creation and revision of observing procedures.
- Safely handle cryogenic liquids.
- Undertake additional tasks aligned with organizational needs and your qualifications (e.g., documenting new subsystems, performance assessment of telescope/instruments, implementing new observing procedures).

Work schedule: 7 nights on site (2,300 m) / 7 nights off.

Education Required
- Advanced degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering and/or equivalent experience in telescope operations within an astronomical observatory or similar scientific environment.

Skills Required
- Hands‑on experience with telescopes and astronomical instrumentation.
- Knowledge of astronomical software.
- Computer proficiency in Linux or macOS environments.
- Strong teamwork, communication, and technical writing skills (reports,

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