Commissioning and Operations Scientist

The CTAO (Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory)will be the worlds largest and most powerful ground-based observatory for gamma-ray astronomy at very-high energies. The Observatory has recently moved into its most exciting phase of development: the construction phase. Teams around the world are working together to make the CTAO reality. And with sites and stafflocatedin Italy GermanySpainand Chile the CTAO Central Organisation which manages the construction and operation of the Observatory is at the very centre of these activities.

To strengthen its teamat the CTAO-North sitein La Palma (Spain) the CTAO is seeking aCommissioning and Operations Scientistto work on the commissioning of the Large-Sized Telescopes(LSTs)until theiracceptanceby theCTAO during at least the first two years and subsequentlyon the commissioning oftheMedium-Sized Telescopes(MSTs)with the goal of supporting the verification of the entire CTAO-North array. Once all telescopes are in routine operation the role will become more operationsfocused.

The Commissioningand OperationsScientist will work closely with the CTAO LST Collaboration and the Central Organisations science team.Following the acceptance of the LSTsthepositionwill be integrated into the CTAO Commissioning Team within the Project Science Office and at that stage will report directly to the Project Scientist.

KeyResponsibilities:

• Coordinate the scientific and commissioning activities of theLSTs2-4during the AIV phase and work closely with the LSTCollaboration andCentral Organisationstaff in solving the tasks required to move the telescopes towards provisional acceptance by CTAO.

• After theinitialtwo years support the on-site activities related to the integration of nine MSTs into the array as well as associated calibration equipment and atmospheric characterisation devices.

• Support on-site activities and their corresponding operations related to the array science verification and science validation.

• Perform troubleshooting activities includingidentifyingand diagnosing issues coordinating with technical teams and contributing to their resolution. This may require remote connection to the site during night-time operations.

• Coordinate the on-siteinitialoperations in supportofearly science activities and other scientific tasks.

• Participate in the definition of operational workflows within the operations team particularly those related to on-site operations.

• Contribute to the preparation of operation manuals.

• Contribute to the preparation of science performance characterisation documentation.

• Support the organisation of the CTAO School and other outreach activities that may be requested.

• Occasional astronomical observations may be requested.

• Strictly adhere to safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of personnel and equipment.

Qualifications andExperience:

• PhD in Astrophysics or other relevant fields. At leasttwoyears of experience after PhD.

• Profound experience in commissioning of instrumentation includingdebugging and troubleshooting.

• Good knowledge of Python programming andgithub/gitlab; knowledge ofmongodband Modbus are beneficial.

• Experience in the science operations and data analysis of arrays of imaging Cherenkov Telescopes.

• Proficiencywith Unix Linuxand common computing software and OS.

• Familiarity with common astronomical data analysis tools knowledge of the tools used in CTAO is an advantage.

• Valid drivers license and the ability to drive manual transmission AWD vehicles on mountain roads.

• Flexibility to work outside regular working hours during nights weekendsand holidaysas.

• Strong systematic and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work effectively alone and as part of a team.

• Excellent communication skills both oral and written in English while command of the Spanish language is an advantage.

You will be reportingto:initially totheCTAO-NorthStation Manager later to the Project Scientist.

Workplace:CTAO-NorthsitelocatedattheObservatorioRoque delosMuchachos (ORM) at 2200 metresa.s.l. and in theCTAO office at sea level on the island of La Palmalocatedin the Canary Islands Spain. Occasional travels to the CTAO headquarters in Bologna Italy or to the location of in-kind contributor teams may be.

What we offer:This position is open-term full-time and is funded for the duration of the CTAO Central Organisation. Participation in scientific conferences is possible. Contractual details and salary are subject to negotiation.

Deadline for applications:28.06.2026

For more information about the CTAO visit. For more information on the advertised position please contact.

Applications are accepted without distinction on any grounds of gender race colour ethnic or social origin genetic features languagereligionor belief political or any other opinion membership of a national minority gender identity property birth disabilityageor sexual orientation.

Required Experience:

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