IGRINS Polarimeter Instrument Scientist

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Job Details:

The University of Texas (UT) McDonald Observatory, a major astronomical research observatory, seeks highly qualified, highly motivated applicants for the position of Immersion Grating Infrared Spectrometer (IGRINS) Polarimeter Instrument Scientist.

The IGRINS is a successful near-infrared (1.45- 2.45um) spectrograph located on the McDonald Observatory Harlan J. Smith Telescope. The project is funded to add a polarimeter to the spectrograph to measure all four Stokes parameters. We will construct the polarimeter and write software to collect and analyze high-resolution spectra to measure stellar magnetic fields down to ~0.1kG. Additionally, the use of polarized light will lower the RV uncertainties with IGRINS to below 30m/s. The proposed program of construction, testing, and iterative engineering will produce sensitive measurements in support of stellar astrophysics and exoplanet science.

The project is expected to run for four years, subject to continued funding and performance. Future involvement will be contingent on the availability of funds (from the current funding agency and future science proposals) and on performance (based on meeting project deadlines and goals). The IGRINS team at UT Austin is also developing the Giant Magellan Telescope Near Infrared Spectrograph (GMTNIRS), and a successful effort on the IGRINS Polarimeter could lead to a role in GMTNIRS development and commissioning.

This position is at the University of Texas at Austin campus. It will require occasional travel to the McDonald Observatory, located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles from the UT Austin campus).

The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff, including:

• Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)

• Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)

• Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax-sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b)

• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses

• For more details, please see:https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefitsandhttps://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/my-total-rewards

As the instrument scientist, this position will work in collaboration with the IGRINS PI, Prof. Dan Jaffe, and project manager, Dr. Greg Mace, to develop and refine polarimeter design, construction, assembly and test, and commissioning.

• Collaborate with engineers and research staff on the IGRINS project to create a plan for success within the project timeline.

• Responsible for overseeing the development of the instrument software, acquisition of parts materials and services needed in construction, in addition to leading the assembly and testing, along with the IGRINS team.

• Present the instrument at conferences and engage the future user community.

• As the project advances, work with our team to develop grant proposals to enable science following the current grant for commissioning.

• Other duties related to team projects, such as IGRINS support and maintenance, or support of GMTNIRS' Final Design and follow-up.

• PhD in Astronomy or Astrophysics. Five years of experience in instrument development, support, software, and/or commissioning. It is strongly desired that you have a scientific interest and expertise with near-infrared spectroscopy and/or spectropolarimetry.

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and work collaboratively.

• Experience in managing people and projects, and as an integral project team member.

• Demonstrable good judgment.

• Knowledge of astronomy research and observatory operational best practices.

• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Extensive experience in supporting research programs of the scientific community in an optical/IR observatory environment.

• Demonstrated ability to achieve goals in accordance with the mission of the observatory.

$120,000

• Working at a computer, including repetitive keyboard use at a workstation.

• May work in all weather conditions.

• Use of manual dexterity.

• May include climbing stairs and ladders, as well as lifting and moving.

• McDonald Observatory is located approximately 6800 feet above sea level. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable, and temperatures can range from -10F and +95F. Inclement winter weather can be expected, which requires being comfortable driving in wintry conditions on mountain grades.

• Generally, M-F, 8 am - 5 pm.

• May require extended hours.

• As part of a collaborative team, it is expected that work will normally take place on site at the McDonald Observatory's Austin offices.

• Occasional travel required to McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus).

• Cover Letter

• Resume/CV

• Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you can multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu, and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled into your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.