Scientific Data Analyst I or II
About The Position
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), is a leading research and development organization in astronomy. NRAO operates state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for the international scientific community and has been crucial in studying phenomena like black holes and galaxies. This position, located in Green Bank, West Virginia, offers a unique academic atmosphere in a rural setting with abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. The Scientific Data Analyst will support observatory systems and users, including providing on-call support, training users, reviewing proposals, and assisting with documentation for the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) and potentially other telescopes. The role also involves acting as a project 'friend' for outside proposals, requiring interaction with scientists to answer questions, assist with script preparation and data analysis, and occasionally observe on their behalf. There may also be opportunities to contribute to research and development projects. A basic understanding of astronomy is required, with advanced knowledge and radio/millimeter astronomy experience being desirable but not mandatory, as training will be provided.
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.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Authorized to work in the United States.
- The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced knowledge of astronomy, especially radio and/or millimeter astronomy.
- Experience with radio telescope observations.
- Familiarity with VLBI techniques.
Responsibilities
- Provide support to observatory systems and observers.
- 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 numerous outside proposals to use the GBT.
- Interact with outside scientists and astronomers to answer questions about the GBT.
- Assist with observing script preparation and post-observation data analysis for outside proposals.
- Occasionally actively observe 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.
- Aid in observer facing and internal documentation efforts.
- Provide back-up for all (GBT) VLBI script creation and projects.
- Perform technical reviews for 20-40 GBT proposals annually.
- Provide on-call support for GBT observers.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
