Assistant Scientist

Associated Universities Inc. • Green Bank, WV

23d • Onsite

About The Position

Position Summary
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.
The Green Bank Observatory is searching for a qualified scientist to join the GBT team in Green Bank, WV. The Green Bank Telescope is a 100-meter telescope that operates from 290 MHz to 116 GHz. As the world’s largest fully steerable single dish telescope, the GBT is used by astronomers from all over the world to carry out a wide range of astronomical research.
This position is located at the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, WV.
What you will be doing:
As a staff scientist, approximately 75% of your time will be spent on functional duties, supporting Observatory services for the broad astronomical community. These functional duties will primarily entail technical support of the GBT. Approximately 25% of your time will be spent on independent research in your specialty. You should be versatile and flexible in your scientific and functional work to adapt to new challenges and opportunities as the Observatory and astronomical landscape evolve. This position is open to all areas of astronomy, but candidates with experience in radar observations and/or VLBI techniques are especially encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• You have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field
• You have at least 2 years of experience in the field
• You have demonstrated experience in your area of technical expertise
• You have a solid publication record

Nice To Haves

• Experience with observatory science operations
• Expertise in radio and/or millimeter wavelength astronomy and/or radio astronomy instrumentation
• Experience in radar observations and/or VLBI techniques
• Expertise in software programming
• An established record of independent research
• The ability to clearly convey scientific and technical information to software developers, engineers, scientists, technicians, managers, and the public
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills (verbal and written)

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active independent research program which makes significant use of the GBT and other NRAO facilities.
• Provide GBT technical support and GBT user support for the broad astronomical community.
• Contribute to the overall Observatory mission and work within a collaborative environment that promotes motivation, leadership, and team building.
• Assist with and participate in scientific community outreach activities, public outreach, education activities, and broader impact activities.
• Proactive compliance with Observatory and government safety policies and procedures.

Benefits

• AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave).
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree