Astronomy Laboratory Specialist/Observatory Manager - Department Of Physics And Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Iowa invites applications for an Astronomy Laboratory Specialist and Observatory Manager.

We seek a colleague with a passion for astronomy education, hands-on experience with astronomical instrumentation, strong leadership and communication skills, and enthusiasm for public outreach. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who share our goal of fostering a welcoming and respectful academic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory instruction and support for astronomical observations across the Department's astronomy curriculum, which makes use of both the on-campus Van Allen Observatory and other small telescopes in the department and supports the MACRO Consortium-managed Robert L. Mutel Telescope (RLMT) in Arizona.

• Management and maintenance of the Van Allen Observatory and facilities.

• Curricular innovation to help shape hands-on, active learning instructional materials, from introductory astronomy courses for non-majors to advanced opportunities for upper-level astronomy and physics students.

• Training and management of graduate teaching assistants in astronomy courses.

• Coordination of public outreach activities involving the Van Allen Observatory and other local outreach events.

For a full job description or questions about this position, please send an email to christopher-crawford@uiowa.edu.

Education Required

• A Bachelor's degree with a major in Astronomy, Astrophysics or closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Required Qualifications

• Practical knowledge of modern astronomical instruments (including a range of small telescopes and CCD cameras) and supporting software applications.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the night sky (planets, constellations, deep sky objects, special events).

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with faculty, staff, students and the public.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented service and support work environment.

• Must have flexibility in working hours some evening and weekend work is required.

• Valid driver's license and ability to meet and maintain University Driving Policy standards.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated teaching experience (> 1 year ) in an undergraduate astronomical laboratory environment.

• Working experience with astronomical imaging and data calibration.

• Working experience in computer networking, especially Windows O/S.

• Experience with astronomical laboratory activity design, development and assessment.

• Working experience with many types of telescopes and practical knowledge of functions such as telescope collimation and calibration.

• A Master's and/or PhD degree in Astronomy or Astrophysics.

• Working experience with astronomical software applications such as MaxIm DL, and TheSkyX.

• Working experience with programming languages such as python.

• Working experience with astronomical outreach events.

Position and Application Details

For additional job details and to apply please visit https://jobs.uiowa.edu/ and access requisition #24003149.

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States.

For additional questions, please contact: christopher-crawford@uiowa.edu.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Instructional Serv Specialist

• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific

• Schedule: Full-time

• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

• Pay Level: 4A
• Starting Salary Minimum: 50,000
• Starting Salary Maximum: 54,000

Contact Information

• Organization: College of Liberal Arts

• Contact Name: Christopher Crawford

• Contact Email: christopher-crawford@uiowa.edu