NRAO- Assistant Scientist

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, July 1, 2016
Archive Date: 
Friday, September 23, 2016
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Scientific/Technical Staff
Institution Classification/Type: 
Other
Institution/Company: 
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory
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unknown
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s mission is to enable forefront research into the Universe at radio wavelengths. In partnership with the scientific community, we:

• Provide world leading telescopes, instrumentation and expertise,

• Train the next generation of scientists and engineers, and

• Promote astronomy to foster a more scientifically literate society.

The NRAO is recruiting a user liaison for the Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA) package. The CASA package is the primary data reduction package for both the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), in addition to being used at other radio observatories around the world.

NRAO staff scientists are expected to carry out an independently directed research program, which may be multi-wavelength in nature as long as the research has synergies with NRAO facilities, and utilizes the CASA package.An active research program is important to view the CASA package through the users’ perspective and to relate to the needs of the larger community. Current staff scientists are working on a wide range of scientific topics, from planetary science to stars to external galaxies to cosmology, including time-variable phenomena. The staff scientist recruited for this position will become a part of that range of scientific research, in these or other areas. Opportunities for advising students and postdocs are available both through internal and external support.

All scientist positions at NRAO are expected to support the Observatory and community through functional duties. For this position the primary functional responsibility is to promote the use of CASA throughout the astronomical community.

Responsibilities will include:

• Documentation and education of new functionality and improved capabilities;

• Fostering an active engagement between the user community and the CASA development team;

• Identify, document, and suggest remedies for issues which are negatively affecting the user experience; as well as other areas, as dictated by the needs of the CASA package and the skills and interests of the successful applicant.

The ideal candidate will contribute to the overall NRAO mission and must be able to demonstrate the ability to work within an international environment that promotes motivation, leadership and team building, in both scientific and functional areas.

NRAO staff scientists are expected to be versatile and flexible in their science and functional work to adapt to new challenges and opportunities as NRAO and the astronomical landscape evolve. 

 

The position will be based in either Charlottesville, VA on the grounds of UVA (http://www.virginia.edu ) or in Socorro, NM on the campus of NMT (www.nmt.edu). In addition to competitive pay, the NRAO provides excellent paid time off benefits (vacation and sick leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective first day of employment. Our retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay. No contribution is required of the employee; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Job Duties Summary

The position entails both independent research and functional responsibilities. The research may be multi-wavelength in nature but should be synergistic with NRAO facilities and the general broad mission of the NRAO. It is expected that the scientist will conduct research using the CASA package.

For functional work, the staff scientist will have a range of duties, all intended to increase the communication between the CASA development team and the user community. Specific functional duties will depend on the evolving needs of the package and the skills and interests of the successful applicant.

The appointment is expected to be made at the level of Assistant Scientist; in exceptional cases, a higher rank will be considered.

Position Requirements:

Minimum Education:

PhD in astronomy, astrophysics or related field

 

Minimum Experience:

One year of postdoctoral experience or equivalent experience

 

Preferred Experience:

• Established record of independent research

• Experience with CASA package

• Familiarity with scientific computing/observatory software/radio astronomy technology

• Flexibility and adaptability to a changing work environment

• Strong interpersonal skills/team work/proficiency in communication (verbal and written)

• Demonstrated interest in broadening participation

 

Applicant Instructions

Before you apply, you will need the following materials, combined in a single file, to upload with your application:

1. Cover letter stating why the candidate is interested in this position – the letter should describe how the candidate matches the position and qualifications summarized above (no more than 3 pages)

2. Curriculum vitae including publications list

3. Summary of past research (2 pages)

4. Future research plan describing specifically synergies with CASA and NRAO facilities (3 pages)

5. Summary of past technical and observational experience relevant to this position (2 pages) Each applicant should arrange for letters of reference to be submitted by three individuals ("referees") familiar with her or his scientific abilities directly to [email protected].

These letters MUST be received by September 30, 2016 (referees should use the format file name "ApplicantName_Sci3242_ref.pdf”). Applicants are responsible for ensuring that letters of reference have been sent by referees.

All required application documents, with the exception of referee letters, should be combined into a single file and uploaded when the application is submitted. The deadline for receipt of complete applications is September 30, 2016. Please direct inquiries to Jeff Kern ([email protected]).

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)

Included Benefits: 
Application Deadline: 
Friday, September 30, 2016
Current Status of Position: 
No Status Given (Opted Out)
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