Commissioning and Operations Scientist

The CTAO (Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory) will be the world’s 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 staff located in Italy, Germany, Spain and 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 team at the CTAO-North site in La Palma (Spain), the CTAO is seeking a Commissioning and Operations Scientist to work on the commissioning of the Large-Sized Telescopes (LSTs) until their acceptance by the CTAO, during at least the first two years, and subsequently, on the commissioning of the Medium-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 operations focused.

The Commissioning and Operations Scientist will work closely with the CTAO LST Collaboration and the Central Organisation’s science team. Following the acceptance of the LSTs, the position will be integrated into the CTAO Commissioning Team within the Project Science Office and, at that stage, will report directly to the Project Scientist.

Key Responsibilities:

Coordinate the scientific and commissioning activities of the LSTs 2-4 during the AIV phase and work closely with the LST Collaboration and Central Organisation staff in solving the tasks required to move the telescopes towards provisional acceptance by CTAO.

After the initial two 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, including identifying and 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-site initial operations in support of early 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 and Experience:

PhD in Astrophysics or other relevant fields. At least two years of experience after PhD.

Profound experience in commissioning of instrumentation, including debugging and troubleshooting.

Good knowledge of Python programming and github/gitlab; knowledge of mongodb and Modbus are beneficial.

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

Proficiency with Unix, Linux, and common computing software and OS.

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

Valid driver’s license, and the ability to drive manual transmission, AWD vehicles on mountain roads.

Flexibility to work outside regular working hours, during nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.

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 reporting to: initially to the CTAO-North Station Manager, later to the Project Scientist.

Workplace: CTAO-North site located at the Observatorio Roque de los Muchachos (ORM) at 2,200 metres a.s.l. and in the CTAO office at sea level on the island of La Palma, located in the Canary Islands, Spain. Occasional travels to the CTAO headquarters in Bologna, Italy, or to the location of in-kind contributor teams may be required.

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 www.ctao.org. For more information on the advertised position, please contact ctao-hr@cta-observatory.org.

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