DESI Data Management Project Scientist

DESI Data Management Project Scientist - 91260
Organization: PH-Physics

Berkeley Lab’s Physics Division has an opening for a Project Scientist with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) Data Management team. The Project Scientist will perform data quality assessments, improve algorithms and workflow, monitor survey progress, and support the spectroscopic data processing pipeline.

What You Will Do:
• Monitor and report quality of daily spectroscopic data processing.
• Maintain and improve spectroscopic pipeline algorithms in response to issues discovered in data and by science analyses.
• Coordinate with the survey team to schedule calibrations and observations based upon data quality.
• Coordinate regular DESI software releases for reprocessing runs, including testing and documentation.
• Contribute to the operations of the spectroscopic pipeline at NERSC, both the daily runs and the reprocessing for the data assemblies.
• Independently plan and complete small projects while contributing to large projects choosing appropriate methods.
• Collaborate with DESI science working groups to assist them with using the DESI data.

What is Required:
• Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Physics, Astronomy, or closely related disciplines.
• Experience in cosmology, astronomy, or particle physics research.
• Experience with astronomical spectra and/or imaging data analysis.
• Experience with data processing on Linux clusters and/or High Performance Computing systems.
• Strong Python programming skills.
• Knowledge of astronomical data processing methods.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work within a team to accomplish goals on a collaborative software project.

What We Prefer:
• Experience with spectroscopy.
• Experience preparing data releases and/or software releases for a scientific community beyond immediate collaborators.
• Experience with the following:
   - programming algorithms for astronomical data processing
   - C++, Javascript, and/or Julia
   - MPI programming and/or non-MPI parallelism methods
   - GPU programming
   - Code profiling and optimization
   - Git code versioning workflow, including branches and pull requests
   - Docker or other containers
   - Web programming
   - Continuous integration & testing frameworks

For full consideration, please apply by December 15, 2020.

How to Apply:
Please visit Academic Jobs Online to create a profile and submit the requested application materials. Note that applications will only be accepted via this Academic Jobs Online URL.

The following requested application materials listed below must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online:
• Statement of Interest.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Reference Letters - Arrange to have at least 3 letters of reference submitted online by the reference writers at this site, with at least one external to LBNL/UC Berkeley.

Notes:
• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 3 year, Term appointment with the possibility of extension for a total of 5 years based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
•  Salary is commensurate with experience.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
√Initially, this position may be performed remotely while residing within the United States due to COVID-19.  Once Bay Area shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted, work will be performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Learn About Us:
Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The mission of our Physics Division is to conduct a leading program of research in particle physics and cosmology through innovation in instrumentation, computing and theory.  The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) will measure the effect of dark energy on the expansion of the universe. It will obtain optical spectra for tens of millions of galaxies and quasars, constructing a 3D map spanning the nearby universe to 11 billion light years.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities.  To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to hire individuals who share these same values and commitments.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."