Short-term Position in Astronomical Observation Software Development

One short-term software development position is available at the Carnegie Institution for Science Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL) in Washington, DC. Applicants pursuing or holding degrees in computer or the physical sciences are encouraged to apply, but applicants with different and/or nontraditional career paths are also welcome.

The purpose of this position is to develop software/tools to expedite and automate astronomical observation planning and implementation. The successful candidate will work closely (though potentially remotely) with Dr. Johanna Teske to streamline the process of planning for observing with the Planet Finder Spectrograph on the Magellan II telescope at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. Experience at or above the advanced undergraduate level in scientific programming is required, particularly in Python; knowledge of IDL is also a plus. Background knowledge of astronomy/astronomical observations is a plus but not required.

Carnegie EPL is a vibrant and interdisciplinary research community of staff scientists, postdoctoral scholars, technical and support staff, and graduate students. The successful candidate will have opportunities to learn and engage with researchers at the forefront of topics from volcanology to mineral physics to geochemistry to star and planet formation. The successful candidate will also be welcome to join in community activities like social hour, reading groups, and celebratory events. More information about EPL can be found on our website: http://epl.carnegiescience.edu.

Application materials are due by April 2nd. The position requires at minimum a 3-month commitment and can start as soon as May 1st. The position will terminate no later than November 30, 2021. Pending COVID-19 restrictions, the position will likely be mostly or fully remote, so residency in the area is not required. The position does not include travel to Chile. Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Applicants must be residing in the United States to be considered for the position.

Interested applicants should submit a CV, contact information for three references, and a one-page cover letter describing your relevant past experience (can include coursework) and how this position could benefit your career goals. Feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions about the position. To submit an application, click here. Only complete applications submitted via the Carnegie website will be considered.

At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with a variety of viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply. The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.