Rubin Observatory Observing Specialist (Research Associate)

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a cutting edge astronomical facility in Chile that is now in operations with staff distributed across multiple sites, one of which is SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Rubin Observatory will undertake the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) which will be one of the largest and most comprehensive astronomy surveys of its kind. Rubin will enable countless discoveries in almost every area of modern astronomical research¿discoveries made possible by the team that built the Rubin Observatory system, and by the global science community that Rubin Observatory serves. SLAC was the lead lab for construction of the LSST Camera, and is continuing to provide scientific and technical support for LSSTCam during Rubin survey operations as one of the two labs partnering in Rubin operations (along with NSF NOIRLab). SLAC is also the host laboratory for the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration.

More generally, SLAC has a broad and vibrant scientific program in fundamental physics, with current research topics including cosmic survey science, cosmic microwave background, direct dark matter searches, proton collider physics and neutrino physics, as well as theoretical and computational physics. SLAC and Stanford are partners in the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, which hosts a broad program in astrophysics.

SLAC invites you to apply for a 4-year postdoctoral research associate position at Rubin Observatory and SLAC. For the first two years, after a brief training period at SLAC, you will be an ¿Observing Specialist¿ in Chile, working in a diverse team to operate the Simonyi Survey Telescope and LSST Camera, with skills including understanding software scripts and conducting hands-on technical work and image diagnostics, with a common duty of operating the Rubin instrumentation during nighttime. You will then spend the remaining two years at SLAC, exploiting the deep understanding of the Rubin system that you will have gained to carry out a program of cutting edge cosmology research. The term of your position will be a very exciting time for Rubin Observatory, making this a truly unique opportunity to join the operations team that will make Rubin reach its ground-breaking science goals.

Your responsibilities will include the following:

• Learning how to control and operate a wide variety of systems that make up the Rubin Observatory including the Simonyi Survey Telescope and its single instrument, LSSTCam, the calibration systems, and more.
• Night-time operation of the primary Simonyi Survey Telescope and the auxiliary calibration telescope, AuxTel, including troubleshooting of both the hardware and software, and prompt assessment of environmental conditions, optical performance, image quality, and general system performance.
• Carrying out, in 50% of your time averaged over the term, a program of original cosmology and astrophysics research as a member of the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration (LSST DESC).

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• A recent Ph.D. in astronomy or physics (or the expectation that you will receive the degree prior to starting your appointment).
• Including your thesis work, at least 3 years of research experience involving at least one of the following:
  • Hands-on observing at optical or infrared astronomical observing facilities, or comparable laboratory activity;
  • Reduction and analysis of astronomical imaging data;
  • Development and/or execution of data analysis or instrumentation projects in wide field optical survey cosmology.
• Familiarity with ticket-based work management systems such as Jira, and high level software scripting knowledge in Python (preferred) or equivalent.
• Organizational and communication skills, with the ability to learn quickly and convey complex technical concepts effectively with a diverse population, such that you are able to work productively in a multinational team.
• Dependability, flexibility, and willingness to take the initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research, collaborating closely with colleagues working both locally and remotely.

Applying for these positions, you should know that:

We are looking for someone enthusiastic with a desire to learn and experiment in a highly supportive and collaborative environment. A research mentor on the faculty or staff at KIPAC will support you throughout your four-year term, helping you develop your research program, establish and maintain good strong connections to the collaboration, and capitalize on your observatory experience. While in Chile, you will be a member of a 10-person Observing Specialist team working the same observing shift rotation but with (on average) 20% of your time available for research. This 20% should provide ample time to contribute to DESC working group discussions and develop research projects within the collaboration while you are in Chile, to be carried out on your return to SLAC. In your final two years, you will focus on your research program, but spend 20% of your time providing remote observing support from SLAC.

SLAC offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and an attractive, inclusive and collaborative work environment in the foothills of Silicon Valley. Relocation expenses (to Chile, and back to SLAC) will be covered.

Working at the Rubin Summit Facility is demanding. While in Chile, Rubin Observing Specialists must be:

• Able to work both at day or night on the Cerro Pachón summit, which is at 3,000m (9,000 feet) altitude at the end of a 2 hour minibus journey (the second half of which is on a winding dirt road).
• Willing to stay at the summit for multiple days/nights (food and lodging provided).
• Willing to work scheduled shifts, including over weekends and holidays. Schedule is subject to change and varies by person within the group based on their responsibilities.
• Fluent in English, while command of the Spanish language is an advantage.
• Responsible for the safety of people and equipment while working at night.

Observing Specialists are required to have a valid driver¿s license and experience in driving a 4WD. Specific training/certification on driving in the summit is provided by the AURA-O Safety Department.

The essential functions of the Rubin Observing Specialists are to:

Support Nighttime activities by:

• Developing and documenting procedures associated with nighttime operations of the primary Simonyi Survey Telescope and the Auxiliary Telescope (AuxTel) and associated subsystems;
• Safely operating the AuxTel and/or the Simonyi Survey Telescope at night;
• Becoming familiar with the Simonyi Survey Telescope and Auxiliary Telescope operation and monitoring software and their respective GUIs;
• Monitoring Simonyi and Auxiliary telescope subsystems¿ health through subsystems GUIs;
• Monitoring summit weather conditions, and executing predetermined actions when conditions are adverse for operations;
• Basic evaluation of the delivered image and spectra quality;
• Carry out software basic troubleshooting and debugging. Rubin Observatory has an Engineering Facility Database (EFD) that will be used to help querying different telemetry from different subsystems and understand the sources of issues;
• Taking calibration data for both telescopes (i.e. flat fielding).
• Acting, when on duty, as primary authors of the nightly observing reports that consist of their nightly log entries and automated technical assessments derived from the EFD, including fault reporting.

Support Daytime activities by:

• Participating in some daytime software testing;
• Acquiring basic knowledge of all the subsystems to understand their functions and operation;
• Participating in the review and refinement of the Simonyi and Auxiliary telescopes¿ operational procedures.
• Providing feedback to optimize the telescopes¿ operations and monitoring software.

This position requires access to Rubin data and software in use at the Rubin US Data Facility (USDF). As such, a USDF account is required and must be obtained within six months of the position¿s start date. This position may also require access to materials, devices, and/or technical information regulated by U.S. export control laws and regulations. If needed, an export license must be obtained within 6 months of start date.

Application materials should be submitted at Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae including a publication list, a 3-page statement of research interests and plans, a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position, and arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation submitted. We encourage applicants to follow the structure of the AAS advice on the contents of CVs and research statements given at Applications are welcome to provide an additional statement (up to one page) that discusses their experience with or commitment to engaging in mentoring, outreach, teaching, public policy, fostering inclusive environments, or activities that diversify the field. Questions about this position should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Phil Marshall (pjm@slac.stanford.edu).

The deadline for applications is Friday November 21, 2025. Late applications may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Further KIPAC positions are also available: you only need apply once, in response to this advert, to be considered for all KIPAC positions. More information about KIPAC can be found at about Rubin Observatory at and about the LSST DESC at

SLAC employee competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve.

Physical requirements and working conditions:

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Work standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1¿General Policy and Responsibilities:
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,

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Classification Title: Research Associate-Experimental

Duration: Fixed Term

Job Code: 0127 Grade: G

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.