Ucmjo Observing Technician

2 weeks ago

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand University of Canterbury Full time
School of Physical and Chemical Sciences | Te Kura Matū

University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

  • Fulltime 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
  • Enjoy five weeks annual leave and five days university holidays.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

The University of Canterbury's Observatory on Ōtehīwai Mt John is based in the stunning Mackenzie Region near Takapō (Tekapo) and within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.


Internationally renowned, Mt John Observatory (UCMJO) is the key field station for the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) who operate it for astronomical teaching and scientific research for UC's staff, students and visiting researchers.

It is New Zealand's premier optical astronomical research observatory and holds a unique place among world professional observatories as it is highly accessible to the public.

The spectacular, unpolluted night skies of Takapō provides outstanding conditions for observations and discoveries of the southern sky and attracts people from all over the world, including top astronomers and physicists.


The School operates UC's Mt John Observatory with four telescopes: a 1-m with a high-res fibre-fed echelle spectrograph, 1.8-m with 2.2 sq.

deg. imager & two 0.6-m.

Our research strengths include:

astro-particle & high-energy physics; black holes & cosmology; dark energy & dark matter; exoplanets & planetary systems; galactic archaeology; microlensing; Solar System small bodies; stellar systems & populations; supernovae & transients; variable & pulsating stars.

Major collaborations include Comet Interceptor, DART, 4MOST, GALAH, IceCube, IAU-CPS, KMTNet, LISA, LSST, and SALT.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

You will be responsible for the night-time operations of the telescopes and instruments at the observatory, including conducting regular night-time observations along with configuring and operating the telescopes and their associated instruments, and acquiring calibrated scientific data.

You will ensure the safety of telescope operators, providing guidance and training, and safeguard the integrity of the telescopes and instruments throughout the observation period.


You will assist Mt John's Superintendent and the Observatory Director and Deputy Director with maintaining the Observatory's operational capability for teaching, research and visitors, public events and SPCS outreach activities.


Mōu | Who You Are
You will have a degree or equivalent knowledge in Physics/Astronomy or related field and observing/operational experience with astronomical instrumentation.

To be successful in this position you will ideally have the following:

  • A strong background in observing techniques
  • Knowledge and keen interest in astronomical events (e.g., auroras, meteors, occultations)
  • A keen interest in ensuring the quality control of astronomical data
  • Excellent selforganization and time management skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to identify technical issues and potential risks
  • Willingness to undertake shift work, including nights and weekends
  • Prepared to work at the UCMJO, a remote location

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

The closing date for this position is: 3rd
September 2023 (midnight, NZ time):

  • Applications will be reviewed after the close date._

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.

If you hold a valid work visa and are physically present in New Zealand, then you may also be considered.

To be considered for this role you must have a current and clean New Zealand drivers' licence.

Job Details:

  • Reference #
Posted on
16 Aug 2023- Closes on

03 Sep :55- Location(s)

Christchurch- Expertise
Technician- Job level(s)
Entry/Graduate- Work type(s)
Continuing (Permanent) full-time

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