Observatory Senior Scientist for Planetary Radar

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Archive Date: 
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Other
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
Arecibo Observatory/University of Central Florida
Street Line 1: 
HC3 box 53995
City: 
Arecibo
State/Province: 
Puerto Rico
Zip/Postal: 
00612
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Job Description:

The Arecibo Observatory (AO) in Puerto Rico, preeminent for its research in astronomy, planetary studies, and space and atmospheric sciences, is home to the world largest and most sensitive single-dish radio telescope. Arecibo enables world-class radio astronomy, studies of the Earth’s atmosphere, and radar observations of solar system bodies.

AO, part of the University of Central Florida (UCF), invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-earning observatory senior scientist who will be responsible for the execution of the current Planetary Science radar programs at AO. The selected candidate will be a subject expert in at least one branch of Planetary Radar Science and will be encouraged to apply for grant funding. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to perform independent research, have a track record of scientific publications in planetary science, and have experience in applying for external funding. Overall, this position is expected to be 75% service and 25% independent research. The incumbent will be expected to carry out an independent research program and will be encouraged to apply for grant funding.

The incumbent will be expected to participate in radar observations, data processing, archiving, and modeling of near-Earth asteroids and other solar system bodies with the Arecibo Planetary radar system.

Job Duties:
• Supports and develops Planetary Radar Science at the observatory, including by interacting with users and other staff at the observatory.
• Promotes a diverse, tolerant and ethical work environment within the Planetary Radar Science group.
• Contributes to strategic planning at the observatory in coordination with other department heads and observatory stakeholders.
• Assists in the planning and execution of observatory operations and liaises with other department heads to coordinate Planetary Radar Science observations with other observatory activities.
• Interacts with scientists and students at UCF main campus, UMET, and UPR.
• Assists/leads in the production of reports and other deliverables for funding agencies.
• Represents the AO at conferences and meetings.
• Plans and contributes to general observatory service and support tasks.
• Mentors undergraduate summer students.

Position Minimum Qualifications:

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in physics or engineering including astronomy, space physics, planetary science, or a related subject, or the highest degree appropriate in the field of specialization with a demonstrated record of academic research achievement, or professional qualifications in the field of specialization above those which would be equivalent to the highest degree and at least 7 years appropriate experience.

Fluency in spoken and written English.

Preferences:

Experience in radar operations preferred. Near earth object characterization experience preferred.

Ability to speak Spanish is desirable.

Application Deadline: 
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, July 6, 2018
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
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