Astronomical Survey Postdoctoral Fellow – ID# 18009

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Archive Date: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii
City: 
Honolulu
State/Province: 
HI
Zip/Postal: 
96848
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

ASTRONOMICAL SURVEY POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW – ID# 18009

(4) Non-Regular, Full-Time, Limited Term (Up to three (3) years in duration), RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Institute for Astronomy (IfA), located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

DUTIES:  Participates in the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) survey with the Pan-STARRS Telescopes.  Contributes to one (1) or more of the ongoing software development efforts of Pan-STARRS software: Pan-STARRS Image Processing Pipeline (IPP), database Published Science Products Subsystem (PSPS), and Moving Object Pipeline System (MOPS) and to the duties associated with their regular operation.  This includes scientific software development such as algorithm development and testing, machine learning, pipeline monitoring, data evaluation, and scientific analysis of survey data or follow-up data from the University of Hawai‘i (UH) or other participating observatories.  Pursues collaborative as well as independent programs of scientific research in one (1) or more of the following fields: Near Earth Objects, other solar system objects, stellar populations and variables, supernovae and kilonovae, galaxy morphology and evolution, dark energy and cosmology.  May participate in Pan-STARRS efforts including ground based preparations for Euclid and follow-up observations of moving objects or transients found by Pan-STARRS and other public alerts such as those from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) or the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF).  Produces reports on studies for program use and for publication in scientific journals.  Has access to Maunakea facilities. 

REQUIRES:  PhD from an accredited college or university in Astronomy or Physics (PhD candidates may apply but must submit evidence of PhD completion upon hire).  Up to one (0-1) year of experience with software development tools and processes including bug tracking, and source control.  Scientific background in astronomy.  Knowledge of UNIX operating system.  Proficient in both astronomical data analysis techniques and scientific programming in a C/UNIX environment and familiar with mySQL type database languages.  Demonstrated capability of analysis of data from wide-field imaging cameras.  Demonstrated proficiency in C programming. Familiarity with mySQL or equivalent database query language.  Able to become proficient with the operations and regular duties of the MOPS system and NEO submission.  Able to query the IPP and PSPS databases and analyze results. Experience in machine learning is desirable. 

INQUIRIES:  Dr. Kenneth Chambers 808-956-9844 (Oahu).

CLOSING DATE:  February 15, 2018 or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first).   

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to [email protected]. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 or (808)956-0872.

Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran.

Pay Compensation
Salary Min: 
$41460.00 (USD)
Application Deadline: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Selection Deadline: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
RCUH Human Resources Department
Phone: 
956-3100
Institution/Company Job ID or Reference Code: 
18009