ngVLA - Scientist (Open Rank)

Associated Universities Inc. • Charlottesville, VA

48d • $85,000 - $138,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), is seeking two Scientists (Open Rank) to support the ngVLA software design and development. The role involves 75% functional work on the ngVLA Science Support Integrated Product Team (IPT), focusing on developing and maintaining software requirements, and 25% for independent research. Responsibilities include supporting the development of calibration and operation processes and workflows. The preferred duty station is Charlottesville, VA, offering a high quality of life, with occasional travel expected. NRAO is a leading research organization designing the Next-Generation VLA (ngVLA), a facility expected to offer significant advancements in radio astronomy.

Requirements

• PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics or a related field.
• At least 3 years of related experience after PhD (preferred).
• Previous experience in radio astronomy data reduction and analysis.
• Previous experience in software development.
• Previous experience in commissioning.
• Established record of independent research.
• Research expertise in interferometric radio/millimeter/submillimeter astronomy.
• Proficiency working with a geographically distributed, multi-disciplinary team.
• Fluency in the English language.
• Excellent communication skills including both presentations and writing technical reports.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• The Observatory presently cannot sponsor new H-1B Visas for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with standard radio astronomy data reduction software (e.g., CASA).
• Experience with observatory capability development and/or observatory operations.
• Experience with modern machine learning / deep learning techniques and software packages.
• Experience with high performance or high throughput computing (HPC/HTC).
• Experience leading a team.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the development and prototyping of operations processes and workflows.
• Developing detailed system and subsystem requirements for ngVLA software, including calibration and imaging pipelines and their underlying functionality.
• Contributing to calibration strategies under development for ngVLA.
• Carrying out a program of independent astronomical research.

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days).
• Medical, dental and vision plans.
• Retirement benefit: AUI 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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree