Physical Science Technician
CurrentWork with various telescopes comprising the Mt. Hopkins Observatory in southern Arizona. 6.5 meter telescope, MMT Observatory – Operate and oversee the calibration and use of various optical and infrared spectrographs including the Hectospec, Hectochelle, MMIRS, and Blue Channel spectrographs.Operate a fiber-positioner to position up to 300 optical fibers at the telescope focal plane for desired spectrograph. Configure various instruments including gratings, filters, and slits in anticipation of the night’s observations. Work with instrument PIs in the ongoing development of instrument upgrades and operational protocols. Other duties include instrument changeovers between bench mounted spectrographs, trouble-shooting, minor maintenance, and cryogenic needs of the cameras.Obtain appropriate afternoon calibration data and coordinate with telescope operator in the optimization of data acquisition and operational safety. Conduct nighttime observations, utilize knowledge of fiber-positioner capabilities, spectrograph characteristics, weather, science goals, and telescope limitations to determine which science fields to observe and exercise final go/no-go responsibility for nighttime operation of instrument. Monitor data quality to further inform and optimize ongoing data-acquisition.1.5 & 1.2 meter telescopes, Whipple Observatory – Manage nighttime observations and calibrations of the 1.5 & 1.2 meter telescopes. Utilize various instruments to observe astronomical phenomena - two different spectrographs on the 1.5 meter telescope and one ccd camera on the 1.2 meter telescope. Manage and prioritize different observing programs taking into consideration science needs, objectives, and other environmental factors. Perform on the spot spectrograph configuration changes as well as telescope maintenance and repair.Generously named co-author of papers published in peer-reviewed journals.
