Precision Radial Velocity (PRV) Operations Scientist

Full time Regular Employment at W. M. Keck Observatory

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Summary

Help Discover New Worlds from One of the World's Leading Observatories

At W. M. Keck Observatory, we are driven by a shared mission: to advance the frontiers of astronomy while inspiring discovery, innovation, and stewardship. We are seeking a Precision Radial Velocity (PRV) Operations Scientist to help lead scientific operations and advancement of Keck's precision radial velocity capabilities, with a focus on the Keck Planet Finder instrument, enabling groundbreaking exoplanet science and supporting the next generation of astronomical discovery.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of telescope operations, instrumentation, data quality, and scientific research. The successful candidate will collaborate with Observatory scientists, engineers, software developers, and the broader exoplanet radial velocity community to optimize precision radial velocity observations and maximize the scientific impact of Keck's world-class facilities.

The PRV Operations Scientist serves as a scientific and operational expert supporting high-precision radial velocity observing programs. This scientist will work closely with instrument teams, observing astronomers, and researchers to ensure operational excellence, data quality, and continuous improvement of PRV-related observing capabilities.

The role combines scientific expertise, operational leadership, user support, and collaborative research in support of Keck's mission and strategic goals.

Requirements

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Education:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or equivalent degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering; relevant professional experience may be substituted for a degree.

Experience:

Experience with high resolution spectroscopic data, data reduction pipelines, and data processing techniques.

Expertise with radial velocity measurement techniques, including precise wavelength calibration and stellar Doppler measurements.

Expertise in the use of astronomical instrumentation, preferably spectroscopic systems.

Skills:

Ability to prioritize tasks, plan activities, and meet deadlines.

Microsoft Office Proficiency.

Ability to effectively deliver impactful presentations to a technical and non-technical audience.

Technical Competencies:

Ability to interpret complex data, solve problems, and make predictions based on empirical evidence.

Proficiency in programming languages for data analysis and simulations (e.g., Python, C/C++, IDL, R, Bash/Shell scripting).

Ability to create or use data processing pipelines to handle large volumes of data, including calibration, cleaning, and extraction of useful information.

Knowledge of cloud computing and data storage solutions to manage large datasets.

Ability to write scientific papers and produce technical documentation.

Additional Information

Key Responsibilities

Establish routine checks of Precision Radial Velocity Instrument (PRVI) system health and performance at the full system (RVs) and subsystem level. This will include development of software algorithms executed in the PRVI data reduction pipeline to assess various aspects of PRVI data quality.

Provide continuous monitoring of PRVI system health and performance using automated checks and manual inspections based on a detailed understanding of instrument and subsystem requirements as well as calibration data quality.

Work closely with the PRV Instrument Scientists, the PRVI DRP development teams, and the PRVI instrument development teams to take leadership on technical and scientific instrument support.

Serve as the primary conduit between the instrument/observatory and the PRVI users on technical issues not under the purview of the PRVI Instrument Scientists.

Provide technical and scientific leadership in instrument maintenance activities, responsive and preventative, for all PRVI subsystems.

Interact with vendors of PRVI components (e.g., the laser frequency comb) to maintain regular performance within specifications.

Support PRVI system upgrades that are endorsed by WMKO management.

About W. M. Keck Observatory