The WIYN Observatory is seeking qualified applicants for the position of the One Degree Imager (ODI) Data Analyst. This position will be available February 1st 2013.
The WIYN Consortium, which consists of the University of Wisconsin, Indiana University, Yale University, and the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), owns and operates the WIYN 3.5 m telescope on Kitt Peak mountain near Tucson, AZ. The One Degree Imager is the flagship of the WIYN Consortium's new instrument initiatives. The combination of a large field of view and the ability for electronic image stabilization using novel Orthogonal Transfer Array (OTA) CCD detectors makes ODI a unique and very competitive optical imaging instrument. ODI with a partially populated focal plane (pODI) and a field of view of 24’x24’ is currently being commissioned at the telescope and in transition to science operations. Once complete, the fully deployed ODI will feature a one gigapixel focal plane and a one degree field of view.
All ODI instrument data will be archived and calibrated by the ODI Pipeline, Portal, and Archive (PPA) system, hosted at the University of Indiana, Bloomington. The calibration pipeline will be executed in a cloud computing environment. The portal enables end users to retrieve both raw and calibrated data from the archive via a web interface.
To support the day to day operation of the ODI PPA system, WIYN is seeking to fill the position of the ODI Data Analyst. The Data Analyst will work closely with the ODI instrument and PPA team in Tucson, AZ, and Bloomington, IN. The position is located in Tucson, AZ, and will include some duties at the WIYN facility, located on Kitt Peak mountain, approximately 50 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona.
The principal responsibilities of the ODI Data Analyst will include:
• Operating of the ODI data calibration pipeline and executing quality control • Monitoring and manage data transfer from the instrument to the archive facility at Indiana University • Contributing to the advancement and documentation of the pipeline system • Monitor instrument performance • Assisting with general instrument and user support activities
Minimum requirements:
• A Master's Degree in Astronomy or related field.
• A minimum of two years demonstrated experience in astronomical data reduction and analysis, in particular in the area of wide-field imaging. Experience with data reduction pipelines is preferred.
• Ability to work independently.
• Sound knowledge of working in a UNIX operating system environment and scripting languages. Experience operating in a cloud computing environment (e.g., Teragrid, XSEDE) would be a plus.
• Ability to effectively communicate in both written and verbal exchanges with other team members and WIYN / AURA staff.
• Ability to work at 7000 ft. above sea level for work at the WIYN 3.5m telescope.
Employment is facilitated through the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA). AURA operates several observatory centers (including the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, the National Solar Observatory, Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and the Gemini Observatory) in the United States and Chile under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.
AURA actively supports efforts to broaden participation in all Observatory activities and fosters a diverse research environment. Women and candidates from under-represented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.
