Scientific Data Analyst I or II

Associated Universities • GREEN BANK, WV

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), is a leading research and development organization focused on the study of the universe using state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities. The Observatory is seeking a Scientific Data Analyst (DA) to support observatory systems and observers. This position, located in Green Bank, West Virginia, offers a unique academic atmosphere in a rural setting with abundant outdoor recreational activities. The role involves providing on-call support, training users, reviewing observing proposals, assisting with documentation, and supporting various instruments and observing modes for the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) and potentially other site telescopes. The DA will also act as a project 'friend' for outside proposals, interacting with scientists to answer questions, assist with script preparation and data analysis, and occasionally observe on their behalf. There are opportunities to contribute to and lead research and development projects. A basic understanding of astronomy is required, with advanced knowledge in radio/millimeter astronomy and radio telescope observation experience being desirable. Training will be provided for all duties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy, Physics or related field.
• One to five years of relevant experience, encompassing technical expertise in working with scientific data products (reducing, plotting, and analyzing data).
• Observational experience with telescopes.
• Software testing and debugging in support of users and/or telescope operations.
• Face-to-face support of users/customers/students and/or mentoring or training of less experienced persons.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Very good interpersonal skills.
• Analytical thinking and able to learn new systems quickly.
• Aptitude to take on increased responsibility and the ability to take ownership of a functional area.
• Proven ability to complete self-directed assignments.
• Ability to effectively train and/or mentor others.
• Ability to use computers with M/S Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.
• Python software creation or development in another programming language.
• High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio and SharePoint.
• Attention to detail is critical.
• Highly organized.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced astronomy degree may be substituted for years of experience.
• Advanced knowledge of astronomy, especially radio and/or millimeter astronomy.
• Experience with radio telescope observations.
• Familiarity with VLBI techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-call support for the GBT and possibly other site telescopes.
• Train users to conduct GBT observations.
• Perform technical reviews of GBT observing proposals.
• Aid in GBT observing documentation.
• Support a variety of GBT instruments, observing modes, and observing scripts.
• Act as project ‘friend’ for outside proposals to use the GBT, which involves interacting with outside scientists and astronomers to answer questions about the GBT, assist with observing script preparation and post-observation data analysis, and occasionally actively observing for the project’s principal investigator.
• Contribute and lead research and development projects.
• Respond to observer questions regarding GBT observing and data reduction.
• Maintain a working knowledge of issues, observing, and data reduction techniques for the GBT.
• Assist scientific staff with training, software testing, and procedures for user support and/or telescope operations.
• Provide back-up for all (GBT) VLBI script creation and projects.
• Ensure pro-active compliance with Green Bank Observatory and government safety policies and procedures in own work area.

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level