Radio astronomer
Job Summary
Job Description
Computational Physics, Inc., seeks a radio astronomer with experience in interferometry to join our team at the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) in Washington, D.C.
BACKGROUND
The USNO is responsible for the production and dissemination of precise parameters concerning time, star positions, and the earth’s rotation. These astronomical and geophysical parameters support navigation (GPS) and many other applications. This USNO mission includes maintaining, together with the Paris Observatory, the International Celestial Reference System (ICRS) and the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF).
DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION
This position will entail calibration and analysis of radio observations, particularly from the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), to maintain a Web-accessible data archive of radio-frequency sources (the Fundamental Reference Image Data Archive, or FRIDA). Intrinsic structure models will be derived from the radio images to contribute to defining and maintaining the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF), and ICRF sources will be assessed for astrometric quality. In the future, data on ICRF sources at multiple wavelength ranges will be incorporated. A small amount of travel may be required.
REQUIREMENTS
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PhD with at least 3 years’ experience in radio interferometry is required.
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Experience in the collection, processing and analysis of astronomical data taken in the radio portion of the spectrum is required.
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Specific experience with the VLBA and the supporting software and data processing systems is highly desirable.
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Experience in the use of radio astronomy to support celestial reference frame or geodesy observations is desirable.
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U.S. citizenship is required by our contract from the Navy.
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The USNO requires full vaccination for Covid-19.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your resume in confidence to [email protected]. In the subject line, please write "Radio Astronomer." A cover letter is optional. Applications will be evaluated and considered as they come in; an offer may be made before the deadline is reached.
CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an Employee-owned Company.
Compensation and Benefits
Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage, paid vacation and sick leave, paid Federal holidays, 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership plan (not stock options; CPI is an employee-owned company), profit-sharing plan, and other benefits.
Salary will be commensurate with experience.