SCORPIO Programmer

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Archive Date: 
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Scientific/Technical Staff
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
The George Washington University
Department Name: 
Astronomy, Physics, and Statistics Institute of Sciences (APSIS)
City: 
Washington
State/Province: 
Washington, DC
Zip/Postal: 
20052
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Astronomy, Physics, and Statistics Institute of Sciences (APSIS) at the George Washington University has an opening for a SCORPIO Programmer, starting in February 2019 or earlier. The successful applicant will work with Prof. Alexander van der Horst to build the Data Reduction Software for SCORPIO, a new generation instrument for the Gemini Observatory. Primary responsibilities of the position include building a science quality data reduction software pipeline for SCORPIO, and tools for data simulations, observation monitoring, and nighttime data quality assessment; and writing proper documentation for all the software and tools. The successful applicant is expected to follow rigorous software development life cycle and apply quality control and configuration control methodology.

SCORPIO is a workhorse instrument that optimizes the Gemini Observatory for broadband observations in the optical and near-infrared, both for imaging and spectroscopy, and capable to observe at high time resolution. The successful applicant will work in an international team of scientists and engineers at the George Washington University, Space Telescope Science Institute, Southwest Research Institute, Fractal and Gemini Observatory.

Applicants must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, astronomy, physics, or a related field by the date of employment. Software engineering professionals with knowledge of optical/near-infrared astronomy are especially encouraged to apply and will be given priority in the selection process. Programming experience in Python is essential. Knowledge of astronomical data reduction techniques is preferred. They must possess the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse community of scientific software users and write clear technical documentation. The appointment is for three years, with a probationary period of 6 months.

To apply, please complete an online faculty application at http://www.gwu.jobs/postings/55574 and upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Two letters of recommendation should also be emailed to Prof. A.J. van der Horst at [email protected]; please add to the email header: Letter of recommendation in response to the SCORPIO Programmer ad.

Review of applications will begin on October 15th and continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered. Employment offers are contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a standard background screening.

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Pay Compensation
Salary Min: 
$48600.00 (USD)
Salary Max: 
$72800.00 (USD)
Application Deadline: 
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Current Status of Position: 
No Status Given (Opted Out)
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Prof. A.J. van der Horst
Institution/Company Job ID or Reference Code: 
S007566
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Prof. A.J. van der Horst
Subject: 
Letter of recommendation in response to the SCORPIO Programmer ad