Applications are invited for the position of Observatory Manager and Research Scientist for Boston University’s 1.8-m Perkins Telescope Observatory, located outside Flagstaff, Arizona, starting November 1, 2026 or negotiable. The position is based at the Observatory, and the successful applicant is expected to reside in the Flagstaff area.

The Perkins Telescope Observatory is an astronomical observatory located at Anderson Mesa Station, Arizona, a dark sky site roughly 14 miles south of the City of Flagstaff and in the Coconino National Forest. Boston University owns and operates the Observatory under a Special Use Permit from the US Forest Service. The Observatory includes the 1.8-meter-diameter Perkins Telescope and its associated facility instruments, PRISM and Mimir. Partner institutions include the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, the University of Mississippi, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

The main duties of the position are:

· Oversee the operation and maintenance of the Observatory, including routine and preventative maintenance of the telescope, instruments, dome enclosure, and all associated computing, electrical, mechanical, and optical subsystems.

· Provide support and training for researchers and students, including training observers on the safe operation of the telescope and instruments, detailing policies and safety procedures, and providing logistical support to visiting observers.

· Coordinate with relevant stakeholders and third parties, including the US Forest Service, partner institutions, and contracted servicers.

· Implement planned upgrades to the telescope, including assisting with the development and deployment of new subsystems, upgrading computing systems, and software development.

Desired qualifications include a graduate degree in astronomy, physics, or engineering and two or more years of hands-on experience maintaining research-focused astronomical observatories or astronomical instruments. Additional desired qualifications include a high degree of competence in mechanical systems, electronics, and programming languages, as well as strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills.

The position provides for flexible scheduling, set in consultation with the Observatory Director, to accommodate the night-time, weekend, and seasonal demands for observatory operations.

The successful applicant may also participate in scientific investigations and collaborations within or outside of Boston University, and, depending on qualifications, may be eligible to propose for external funding as Principal Investigator to support independent investigations.

Candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, and the names and contact information of three people who can provide letters of reference, all via https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32645. Questions may be directed to Prof. Philip Muirhead, Director of the Observatory, at philipm@bu.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will commence as soon as possible.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. For full consideration, please apply by 9/25/2026.

Salary for this position will be $80,000 - $120,000, commensurate with experience.

Since its founding in 1839, Boston University has embraced a mission of openness and access, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to welcome all students of ability regardless of race, gender, or creed. That tradition shapes our enduring commitment to academic freedom, free inquiry, and the robust exchange of ideas.

We seek scholars who will contribute to our community of teachers and researchers through excellence in innovative scholarship, engaged teaching, and participation in the intellectual life of the University. Boston University provides an environment where faculty and students work together across disciplines, perspectives, and experiences to advance knowledge and address society’s most pressing challenges.