Research Associate

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is inviting applications for a research associate in pulsar astrophysics. This position is one of several research positions that are funded through the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav) Physics Frontiers Center (PFC); see http://nanograv.org. The goal of the NANOGrav PFC is to detect low-frequency gravitational waves and characterize the low-frequency gravitational wave universe through radio timing observations of pulsars. The research associate will be part of a diverse community of NANOGrav members in the United States and Canada and will benefit from mentoring by and collaboration with other researchers at a range of institutions. The position will also play a large role in the work of the International Pulsar Timing Array (IPTA) and will have opportunities for international travel and collaboration. The research of the successful applicant for the position at NRAO will focus on radio pulsar timing and searching, with 50% time available for self-directed research.

The appointment will be for two years, with an optional one-year extension upon mutual agreement.  The starting date is flexible, but should be early in 2022.

Available work locations for this position will be at the NRAO Headquarters in Charlottesville, VA or the Science Operations Center in Socorro, NM. A domestic remote work arrangement might also be possible depending on the incumbent’s work performance in a work-from-home situation.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. Some domestic and international travel may be required or encouraged.

Position Requirements:

Minimum Education

PhD in astronomy, physics, or a related field, or expect to have earned a PhD by the starting date of the appointment.

Minimum Experience

The successful applicant must have strong knowledge of radio and/or pulsar astronomy, as well as a strong independent research program. Experience with pulsar timing is strongly preferred. Knowledge and/or experience with radio telescope hardware and software is appreciated but not necessary.

Additional Requirement:

The Observatory requires staff to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to access our facilities. An offer of employment will be considered contingent until the selected applicant provides proof of vaccination. A selected applicant may request consideration for an accommodation for a disability or for a sincerely held religious belief.

Application Instructions:

Please visit our career portal http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/job/ox9Khfwr. You will need to be prepared to upload your current resume and a cover letter as a single PDF document consisting of the following items:

Cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position. (maximum 2 pages).

Curriculum vitae

Description of research accomplishments and future research plans (maximum 3 pages)

Applicants should also arrange for three letters of reference (max 2 pages) to be sent to [email protected]. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the letters of reference have been sent by their referees.

The screening process will begin on January 3, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to [email protected].