Technical Assistant II U of M Data Analyst

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

 

Job Summary

The Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT) Data Analyst will provide scientific support to users of the Large Millimeter Telescope.  This support will be in two principal areas: (1) operation of the LMT data reduction software pipelines to assist users in the preparation of science data products; and (2) provision of “help desk” services to telescope users.  In the latter capacity, the Data Analyst will field user questions and direct them to the appropriate LMT staff members.  The Data Analyst will also participate in the preparation of user documentation and its dissemination on the LMT web pages.   

 

Essential Functions

Provide assistance to observatory users by reducing data and assessing data quality, operating a data reduction pipeline, and testing LMT software and data products.

Ensure appropriate and timely responses to user queries to the LMT help desk by responding to a query, forwarding to another expert, following up on open queries, etc.

Assist scientists in preparation of proposals, observing scripts, data reduction, data analysis and archive access.

Maintain a working knowledge of all relevant user software for LMT instruments including those used for proposal submission, observational preparation, and post-processing data reduction.

Assist in the generation and editing of help desk knowledge base articles.

Assist scientific staff with testing of software and procedures, as requested.

Maintain relevant web page content and other documentations to ensure information for users stays current.

 

Other Functions

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Bachelor's degree in astronomy, physics, computer science or related field.

Must be able to communicate clearly in verbal and written form.

Must have good diagnostic and troubleshooting skills.

Must work well with people.

Must be able to use computers with Linux operating systems.

Must have experience with operational and technical support, such as leading or assisting with astronomical or physics research, or writing or modifying computer software, either professionally or as part of class work.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with astronomical data products and/or operating radio telescopes.

Experience with Python and/or C++.

 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment activity.

 

Additional Details

This is a term limited position through September 2023.  Continuation of the position is contingent upon funding. 

 

Work Schedule

Mon-Fri 8:30 am -5:00 pm.

Position requires on-call hours.

 

Salary Information

Grade 13

 

Special Instructions to Applicants

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion)

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.