Apprentice Telescope Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department

PSD Astronomy & Astrophysics: JC South Pole

About the Department

The 10-meter South Pole Telescope (SPT) Winter-Over will be a member of a two-person crew located at the NSF Amundsen-Scott South Pole research station in Antarctica. The crew will be responsible for the hands-on maintenance and operation of the SPT. The crew will participate in the preliminary analysis of the astronomical data and is an integral part of the SPT collaboration.
A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately twelve months, is required.

Job Summary

The 10-meter South Pole Telescope (SPT) Winter-Over will be a member of a two-person crew located at the NSF Amundsen-Scott South Pole research station in Antarctica. The crew will be responsible for the hands-on maintenance and operation of the SPT. The crew will participate in the preliminary analysis of the astronomical data and is an integral part of the SPT collaboration. A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately twelve months, is required. The position is expected to begin on November 1, 2026, and ends on November 30, 2027, but specific dates may be negotiable.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and set up scientific equipment.
• Check scientific instrumentation.
• Maintain cryogenic refrigeration systems in good working order.
• Test and integrate electrical and mechanical assemblies, including the power, computer, and electronic components.
• Climb, operate machines, operate power tools, and report on the status of telescope and observations to SPT collaboration through weekly teleconferences.
• Other fieldwork for instrument deployment and maintenance.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments, interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• A B.S. in Physics or Engineering with a strong research component.

Experience:

• Remote-field work experience on telescopes, mechanical systems (including servo systems and cryogenic systems), radio, analog and digital electronics.
• Experience working in a self-motivated manner within a large collaboration and the demonstrated ability to think in a structured, logical manner while under pressure.

Preferred Competencies

• Competence with computer systems and electronic instruments.
• Climbing, bending, reaching lifting, and operating machines and power tools.
• Experience working at a harsh, remote site.
• Experience working in a self-motivated manner within a large collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to think in a structured, logical manner while under pressure.
• Must have the ability to work independently and as well as within a team environment.
• Planning; attention to detail; analytic and quantitative skills; reading; self-motivation; problem solving; math; reasoning; oral and written communications; ability to manage time pressures.

Working Conditions

• A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately one year is mandatory.
• Due to the job site, good physical health is required.
• Applicant must be able to work in a cold, harsh environment.
• Applicant must pass physical and mental qualifying exams before employment.
• Ability to climb on the telescope, bend, reach, lift, and use of machines and power tools.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References (Required).

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$75,000.00 - $110,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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