AAVSO Astronomer Position

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Archive Date: 
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Scientific/Technical Staff
Institution Classification/Type: 
Small Academic
Institution/Company: 
American Association of Variable Star Observers
City: 
Cambridge
State/Province: 
MA
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

AAVSO Astronomer position
(Exempt position reporting to the AAVSO Director.)

The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) is looking for
candidates for the position of Astronomer. The incumbent will be leading a team of 2-5
staff members who comprise the AAVSO Science team. Duties include, but are not
limited to, overseeing our database’s data quality control process, oversee maintenance
and enrichment of the AAVSO International Database and software, coordinating
volunteer teams for various projects, manage the AAVSO alerts and campaigns, and
supervise the maintenance of AAVSO networking and IT infrastructure. The goal of the
position is for the astronomer to spend about 60% of their time on functional and
managerial duties and the rest on a personal research agenda developed with input
from the Director. Specifics on time allocation may change based on needs of the
organization at the time.

Specific skills and experience required:
• PhD in astronomy or equivalent field is required;
• Demonstrated knowledge of time-domain astronomy and related statistics and
data analysis;
• Demonstrated knowledge of photometric data reduction and analysis;
• Knowledge and experience with astronomical databases and related
infrastructures, knowledge of one or more modern programming languages, and
the MySQL database system is required. Knowledge of Java, Javascript, Python or
Perl desirable;
• Excellent written and oral English language communication skills;
• Ability and desire to work and collaborate with a mixed community of
professional and amateur astronomers, volunteers, students and educators;

The AAVSO operates in a small office environment so interpersonal skills and the
ability to maintain a positive attitude during tight deadlines is paramount. A successful
track record of grant writing experience, either individually or as a member of a team, is
required. Furthermore, experience in managing and mentoring individuals is strongly
preferred.

This is an FLSA Exempt position. Full benefits, a flexible schedule and a 35-hour
work week are included in the position. Some travel to conferences may be required. To
apply, please submit a single PDF document including a Cover Letter, a Curriculum Vitae
(including publication list and the names of 3 scientists who would be willing to provide
letters of reference on your behalf) and an up to 2-page statement on why you are
qualified for the position, to our email address: [email protected] Please include the
words “AAVSO Astronomer” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin after
November 15 and will continue until the position is filled. No phone calls please.

The AAVSO is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will
receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual
orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

Included Benefits: 

No benefits information has been provided by the employer.

Application Deadline: 
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Current Status of Position: 
No Status Given (Opted Out)
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Stella Kafka
Title: 
Director
Institution/Company: 
Street Line 1: 
49 Bay State Road
Street Line 2: 
City: 
Cambridge
State/Province: 
MA
Zip/Postal Code: 
02138
Country: 
USA
Phone: 
617-354-0484
FAX: 
Inquiries About Job