Scientist

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, May 21, 2021
Archive Date: 
Friday, June 18, 2021
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Scientific/Technical Staff
Institution Classification/Type: 
Research Laboratory
Institution/Company: 
Green Bank Observatory
Street Line 1: 
155 Observatory Rd
City: 
Green Bank
State/Province: 
WV
Zip/Postal: 
24944
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Green Bank Observatory is seeking an enthusiastic and energetic scientist to join the Observatory's scientific staff in Green Bank, West Virginia.  The successful applicant must have knowledge of astronomy and familiarity with, or desire to learn, radio astronomical instrumentation and techniques.  We are especially interested in individuals whose research complements the current and planned capabilities of the Green Bank Telescope, but those in other areas whose research could utilize the other site telescopes and instruments will be considered. 

The Green Bank Observatory oversees the development and operation of the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the world’s largest fully steerable telescope, as well as numerous smaller telescopes used for a variety of scientific and educational purposes.   Working at wavelengths 1.5m through 2.6mm, the GBT supports a diverse range of scientific research.  Additionally, the GBT has an ongoing program of research and development projects that keep the telescope at the cutting edge of science and technology.  New instrumentation on the GBT includes ARGUS, a 16-pixel feed horn array operating from 85-116 GHz and MUSTANG2, a 223-pixel, 90-GHz bolometer array.  Among major development projects currently underway are a telescope metrology system that will substantially increase the amount of GBT time available for high frequency (>30 GHz) observations, a new wideband feed focused toward pulsar timing studies, and a digitized system to mitigate radio frequency interference in real time.    Upcoming projects include development of new scheduling algorithms for the telescope, improvements to the site VLBI hardware, development of a radar system for the GBT, RFI monitoring and mitigation studies, and new multi-pixel instruments across a variety of wavelengths. Long term plans for the GBT and the site can be found online at http:/greenbankobservatory.org/science/science-2020-2030.

The successful candidate will have 25% of their time available for independent research, while 75% of their time will be devoted to instrument development, support of visiting astronomers, and other activities in astronomical research.  Job responsibilities can include providing user support for GBT observers, testing and commissioning GBT instrumentation, working with software and hardware engineers to support GBT operations, and assisting with public outreach and education activities at the GBO.

The Green Bank Observatory combines an academic atmosphere with a rural location and lifestyle. Individual research is encouraged and supported with funds for travel, publication, etc.   The Observatory also has a strong education and public outreach program, and the successful applicant is encouraged to aid in one or more of our educational programs. The position includes vacation accrual, health insurance, and a moving allowance.  The position will be at the assistant, associate, or scientist level, depending on experience. 

TYPICAL KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Acting as “friend” for GBT proposals, which includes aiding a project from initiation through publication

Calibration and testing of existing GBT instruments

Aiding in the development of new instruments for the GBT, including writing requirements, project oversight, testing, and/or commissioning of the instrument.

Providing scientific leadership for Green Bank Observatory

Maintaining an active independent research plan which includes the use of the Green Bank telescope(s)

Periods of on call support for GBT observers

Other duties as assigned

Proactive compliance with Green Bank Observatory and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

 Education:

PhD. in astronomy or a related field

 Required Technical Experience: 

Knowledge of astronomical observation

At least 1 year of post-doctoral experience

 Desired Technical Experience:

Knowledge of radio and/or millimeter wavelength astronomy

Knowledge of radio astronomy instrumentation

Three or more years of post-doctoral experience

Ability to clearly convey technical information to software developers, engineers and scientists, interact with peers in a positive and respectful way and calmly resolve conflicts

Interest in education activities such as student mentoring, public talks, etc.

 Physical Conditions/Nature of Work:  Work is typically performed in a research environment consisting of desk work and lab work. Must be able to operate a personal computer and lab instruments.  Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Apply online at the Green Bank Observatory Careers page;

Please upload CV, statement of research plans, and letter of application.

Combine the following items into a single PDF file; upload by selecting the "Attach Resume/CV" link during the online application process:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Publications list
- A summary of previous, current, and planned research (a maximum of 3 pages of text, including figures and references; 12 pt font);

Each applicant should arrange for letters of reference to be submitted by three individuals (“referees”) familiar with her or his scientific abilities directly to the GB Scientific Search Committee. These letters MUST be received by the application deadline of June 11, 2021.

Letters should be submitted to Tracy Samples, Green Bank Site Human Resources Manager, via email at [email protected] using the file name “ApplicantNameGBScientist.pdf .” Applicants are responsible for ensuring that letters of reference have been sent by their referees.

The position is located at the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, WV, a facility which combines an academic setting with a rural environment. Limited telework arrangements will be considered. The successful candidate will join a team of professionals engaged in research and development in the fields of science, engineering, software development, and education.

Application Deadline: 
Friday, June 18, 2021
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, July 9, 2021
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Tracy Samples
Title: 
Human Resources Manager
Institution/Company: 
Green Bank Observatory
Country: 
United States of America
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Tracy Samples