Scientist (Open Rank)

Associated Universities Inc. • Charlottesville, VA

1d • $85,000 - $138,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), is a leading research and development organization in radio astronomy. The North American ALMA Regional Center (NA ARC) supports the North American astronomical community in using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and contributes to the Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) in Chile. ALMA is undergoing a major upgrade, the ALMA Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU), to significantly increase system bandwidth and upgrade receivers. The NA ARC is seeking up to three Scientists (open rank) to support ongoing ALMA operations and software development for the WSU. Positions will focus on either ALMA data processing software development or ALMA user and telescope support. The data processing software roles will involve supporting the development of ALMA's current data processing pipeline and the transition to a new system (RADPS-ALMA) capable of handling increased data volumes due to the WSU. This includes developing new heuristics for automated data processing and quality assessment, and potentially refactoring the existing pipeline using modern software tools. The user and telescope support role will focus on assisting users with data acquisition, reduction, and analysis, as well as community training activities. Both roles will support current ALMA operations and the transition to the WSU-upgraded system. Staff scientists will spend 75% of their time on functional duties and 25% on independent research. Positions are based in Charlottesville, Virginia, with potential for remote work or time at the ALMA Operations Support Facility in Chile.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics or a related field.
• One or more years of relevant work experience after PhD (at the post-doctoral or staff scientist level).
• Experience with radio/millimeter/submillimeter astronomy and interferometry and associated telescope systems (software or instrumentation).
• Experience with astronomical observing and/or working in an observatory setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and lead a team.
• Demonstrated record of independent research.
• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.
• The Observatory currently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with at least two years of relevant experience may be given preference.
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend and synthesize new and complex technical information
• Demonstrated ability in self-directed investigations and problem-solving
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in an internationally-distributed team environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Versatility to adapt to new challenges and opportunities as NRAO’s astronomical landscape and observatory functional needs evolve
• Experience developing, prototyping, testing and/or commissioning astronomy data processing software and pipelines (including calibration and/or imaging) for interferometer telescopes.
• Experience using Python or another scientific programming language.
• Experience with common software packages used for data processing and analysis in astronomical research (e.g. CASA).
• Developing software, including the use of version control, documentation, and testing
• Developing requirements for, implementing, and/or validating cutting edge astronomy data processing software, other telescope software, and/or hardware
• Diagnosing and troubleshooting telescope or array related issues, including diagnostic analysis of imperfect radio or millimeter data

Responsibilities

• Play a major role in the planning, preparation, development and implementation of data processing pipeline software for the WSU including contributions to the development of RADPS-ALMA.
• Support users in the preparation, execution, and/or data reduction of their observing programs and contribute to the planning and preparation for user support needs in the WSU era.
• Facilitate and enable cutting-edge science by the community and help enhance ALMA’s observing capabilities.
• Actively contribute to NAASC activities during WSU commissioning and subsequent WSU operations.
• Work closely with other members of the NAASC, NRAO, and JAO, contributing to the overall NRAO mission and to a collaborative international team environment.
• Carry out a program of independent astronomical research. Research programs are generally expected to be synergistic with the science relevant to NRAO’s current and planned facilities, particularly ALMA.

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
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree