Scientist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• PhD in astronomy, physics, mathematics, electrical/computer science engineering or related fields.
• At least one year of experience collaborating with inter-departmental groups and large scientific or engineering collaborations
• Prior experience contributing to or leading medium to large-scale research projects, with a track record of delivering results within a team setting
• Demonstrated experience measuring and interpreting large dataset from RF systems
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders both within and outside the observatory
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to evolving project requirements and shifting priorities, often with little advance notice, in a dynamic research and development environment
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically on an occasional basis
• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.
• The Observatory presently cannot sponsor new H-1B Visas for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in spectrum management and frequency coordination, including proficiency in radio wave propagation calculations and link budget analysis
• Prior experience with observations using NRAO facilities (GBT, VLBA, VLA)
• Knowledge of radio astronomy science and RF instrumentation is highly desirable
• Familiarity with SQL and relational database concepts, with experience in querying, managing, and maintaining structured datasets in a research or engineering context, such as with API
• Proficiency in Python, with experience developing and maintaining scientific or engineering software in a collaborative environment
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix operating systems and command-line workflows
• Experience with version control systems, particularly Git via GitHub or GitLab, in a team development setting
• Familiarity with modern software development methodologies such as Agile or Scrum
• Experience with issue tracking and project management platforms such as Jira and Confluence
• Strong documentation skills, including taking meeting notes, organizing project materials, and preparing technical documents using LaTeX or equivalent tools

Responsibilities

• Capture and maintain top level project requirements
• Work with project leadership to develop and execute new software features
• Participate development activities with the ODS software team
• Support testing and analysis activities for ODS evaluation for different stakeholders, including scheduling telescope test time and developing python analysis scripts.
• Communicate requirements and coordinate testing with internal and external ODS stakeholders
• Prepare and review documentation (internal- or public-facing), e.g., user guides, online documentation, press releases, etc.
• Contribute or lead technical writing efforts, e.g., technical memos, journal publications, FCC filing comments, etc.
• Support the broad-impact efforts within SMD and NRAO in general, including summer student mentoring, public outreach, etc.
• Contribute to and support broader NRAO spectrum management activities within the department and the observatory
• Maintain awareness of relevant technology developments and spectrum policies
• Maintain an active independent research program, ideally make significant use of NRAO facilities and internal collaborations, along with supporting the NRAO’s missions

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.