Assistant or Associate Scientist

The National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) is seeking an Assistant or Associate Scientist, depending on experience, to work in support of time-domain astronomy. The Assistant or Associate Scientist will have demonstrated scientific ability in research and possess the motivation and ability to identify and carry out technical projects to completion while assisting in the day-to-day operations and long-term planning of the observatory.

The selected candidate will take a leading scientific and technical role in the development and deployment of an end-to-end time-domain follow-up observing capability for the US astronomical community. A major focus of this effort is the development of a tool for characterization of time domain alerts from a growing number of surveys: the Arizona-NOAO Temporal Analysis and Response to Events System (ANTARES http://www.noao.edu/ANTARES/). This system will annotate and characterize alerts from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and other time-domain surveys so that timely follow-up observations can be made by other facilities. The selected applicant will have to opportunity to utilize this system on real-time alert streams.

Essential functions:

• Participating in the development of the ANTARES project and other tools that support time-domain astronomy
• Participating in the development and deployment of time-domain follow-up systems
• Conducting observational and research projects (personal research)
• Preparing and presenting scientific papers at astronomical meetings and symposia

Other functions:

• Other observatory duties as assigned
• External professional service activities, e.g., service on review committees, as approved by supervisor

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Astronomy or related field
• At least three years of experience in ground-based astronomical research and a strong record of publications of significant research in time-domain astronomy
• Experience with Python         

NOAO offers an excellent benefits package, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.

Applicants are requested to submit a resume or CV, a list of 3 professional references, and a cover letter describing how their skills and experience are matched to the essential functions of the position (PDF Files preferred). Please name any attachments with the following format: 17-0220LastnameDocname. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to [email protected]. This position will be open until filled, however applicants are encouraged to apply by 19 January 2018 to ensure full consideration.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA) manages several astronomical observatory centers (including the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, the National Solar Observatory and the Gemini Observatory) and construction projects (Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and Daniel. K. Inouye Solar Telescope) in the United States and Chile under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation.

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.