NuSTAR Calibration and Operations Scientist

The Space Radiation Laboratory (SRL) at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is soliciting applications for a Calibration and Operations Scientist to support the ongoing science operations of the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) mission (www.nustar.caltech.edu). NuSTAR is a NASA small explorer astrophysics space telescope, launched in 2012 into low Earth orbit, that is providing the astronomical community with a unique capability to investigate the high energy X-ray Universe. 

The position is based in the NuSTAR Science Operations Center (SOC) located on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, CA. The SOC is responsible for the calibration, planning and safe use of telescope time to perform observations of astronomical sources of X-rays, often in coordination with other space- and ground-based observatories. We are looking for a new team member to participate in data analysis of calibration observations and the generation of regular updates to the NuSTAR calibration files used by the community for scientific data reduction, and in the generation of observing plans and data quality assurance analysis.

Essential Job Duties

As the NuSTAR Calibration and Operations Scientist, the successful candidate will report to the SOC Manager at Caltech and the Lead NuSTAR Calibration Scientist and duties will include:

• Supporting the calibration team in the planning of calibration observations and reduction of calibration data.
• Working with the calibration team to update instrument response files.
• Working with the SOC Manager to generate weekly observing schedules.
• Performing data quality assurance analysis of guest investigator observations.
• Participating in regular science and mission operations meetings.
• As a member of the NuSTAR team, the successful candidate will be expected to participate in all science operations activities as required.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy, physics, or closely related field.
• Three years’ experience post-degree in X-ray data analysis and interpretation.
• Good written and interpersonal communication skills, with an emphasis on the ability to share ideas in a collaborative setting. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NuSTAR data analysis.
• Experience with instrument or observatory calibration.
• Experience with scientific software development (i.e., python and astropy-based tools as well as HEASoft tools). 

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter