Scientist (Open Rank)

Position Description:

 

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a diverse, exciting, and prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

 

The North American ALMA Regional Center (NA ARC) is the science operations division of North American ALMA. It supports the North American astronomical community in using ALMA and, in collaboration with the ALMA international partners, provides scientific support for the operations and development of the Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) in Chile.

 

ALMA is now entering a very exciting phase. Over the next several years, ALMA will be undergoing a major upgrade of the array’s components – the ALMA Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU). The objective is to increase the system bandwidth by at least a factor of two (and a goal of a factor of four), as well as to upgrade most receivers and the signal chain. The goal is to complete the signal chain upgrade by the end of the decade with some receiver bands upgraded later. These improvements in hardware capabilities imply 1-2 orders of magnitude increase in data volume for some observing modes, thus requiring a complete overhaul of the data processing software stack for ALMA. The job and resource management currently used by CASA and the Pipeline in ALMA operations will be replaced to enable scaling of jobs across multiple nodes and more efficient use of compute resources. In addition, the automated data processing pipeline will be significantly refactored. 

 

The NA ARC is seeking a qualified Scientist (open-rank) within the North American ALMA Science Center (NAASC) Science Software Support Group. The successful candidate will be expected to spend 75% of their time on functional work supporting the ongoing development of the ALMA Pipeline and the transition to the WSU data processing software infrastructure, including the new Radio Astronomy Data Processing System for ALMA (RADPS-ALMA) whose development is being led by NRAO. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to, supporting the development of heuristics for the ALMA data processing pipelines and helping bring them into production for WSU commissioning and subsequent operations. The appointee is expected to spend the remaining 25% time on a program of independent research.

 

This work offers numerous exciting opportunities including: developing new heuristics for automated data processing and quality assessment; participating in the re-envisioning of the pipeline design to use modern software tools for high throughput computing, abstraction of functionality, portability, containerization, etc.; implementing new functionality such as multi-array imaging and total power combination that will accelerate community science.

 

The appointment will be on the NRAO Scientist track (Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, or Scientist; rank will depend on the candidate’s experience) and will be in residence at the NRAO headquarters located in Charlottesville, Virginia. However, a remote work station or fraction of tele-work time may be considered for candidates with sufficient experience.

 

What You Will be Doing

As a staff scientist, you will be a member of the NA ARC and for functional duties will contribute to team activities under the direction of the NA ARC Manager and Deputy NA ARC Manager. You will:

• Work closely with other members of the NAASC/NRAO, the ALMA Pipeline Working Group, and the JAO.
• Play a major role in the planning, preparation, development and implementation of data processing pipeline software for the WSU as part of the ALMA Pipeline Working Group.
• Actively contribute to ALMA Pipeline Working Group activities during commissioning and in subsequent operations.
• Facilitate and enable cutting-edge science by the community and help enhance the observing capabilities for ALMA.
• Contribute to the overall NRAO mission and contribute to a collaborative international environment that supports leadership and teamwork.
• Carry out a program of independent astronomical research.
• Be versatile and adapt to new challenges and opportunities as NRAO’s astronomical landscape and observatory functional needs evolve.

Although the primary focus of the position is the support of ALMA data processing pipelines, staff scientists within the NA ARC are involved in a variety of other scientific support activities such as supporting investigators in obtaining, reducing, and analyzing data; imaging data and developing imaging techniques; developing scientific software, and engaging in community training activities.

 

NRAO staff scientists are expected to carry out an independent research program using 25% of their time. Research programs may be multi-wavelength in nature but are generally expected to be synergistic with the science relevant to NRAO’s current and planned facilities, particularly ALMA. Active and engaged research is important because staff scientists are expected to push the telescopes’ capabilities, building on their own research and the needs of the broader astronomical community.

 

NRAO conducts a range of programs in education and public outreach, diversity and inclusion, and broader impacts, and encourages interested staff to participate in these activities. While NRAO is not a degree-granting institution, its programs for undergraduate and graduate student research experiences afford opportunities for staff to mentor and interact with students.

 

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented, and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. Some domestic and international travel will be required for this position. There will be the possibility of spending periods of time at the ALMA Operations Support Facility near San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, at an elevation of 2,900m.

 

Who You Are:

 

The ideal candidate will have a background in commissioning or developing astronomy data processing pipelines relevant to ALMA and will demonstrate the ability to become one of our resident technical experts on the ALMA WSU data processing software and play a major role in its development and commissioning.

 

Minimum Education

• You have a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics or a related field.

Minimum Experience:

• You have one or more years of work experience at the post-doctoral or staff scientist level, or equivalent (dated from application close date), relevant to all the following areas. Candidates with at least two years of relevant experience in these areas will be given preference.
• You have experience with radio/millimeter/submillimeter astronomy and interferometry and associated telescope systems (software or instrumentation).
• You have experience developing, prototyping, testing and/or commissioning astronomy data processing software and pipelines (including calibration and/or imaging) for interferometer telescopes.
• You have experience using Python or another scientific programming language.
• You have experience with common software packages used for data processing and analysis in astronomical research (e.g. CASA).
• You have experience with astronomical observing and working in an observatory setting.
• You have a demonstrated ability to work in and lead a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in developing requirements for, implementing, and/or validating cutting edge astronomy data processing software.
• Demonstrated experience in developing requirements for, implementing, and/or validating radio interferometer or single dish telescope software and/or hardware.
• Experience in developing software including the use of version control, documentation, and testing.
• Experience diagnosing and troubleshooting telescope or array related issues, including diagnostic analysis of imperfect radio or millimeter data.
• Demonstrated interest in broadening participation and commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Established record of independent research.

 

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to comprehend and synthesize new and complex technical information
• Demonstrated ability in self-directed investigations and problem-solving
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in an internationally-distributed team environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Mission-oriented/goal-oriented focus
• Versatility and adaptability to a changing functional work environment

The hiring committee will first consider applicants who meet the stated preferred qualifications.

Total Rewards:

 

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

 

Compensation

AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance. Factors which may affect starting pay include education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

 

For open rank positions, the starting salary for each level is between:

 

• Assistant Scientist - $80,000 and $90,000
• Associate Scientist $90,000 and $100,000
• Scientist - $100,000 and $125,000

Benefits:

AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

 

Application Instructions:

 

Select the “Apply” button. You will need to be prepared to upload a single PDF document consisting of the following items:

1. Cover letter describing why you are interested in this position and how your education and experience match the requirements, qualifications and competencies described above (maximum 2 pages).
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. List of refereed publications.
4. Summary of past technical and/or observational experience relevant to the position (maximum 3 pages)
5. Description of research accomplishments and future research plans (maximum 3 pages)
6. The names and contact details of three (3) people familiar with your technical and scientific abilities who can be contacted to provide a letter of reference.

 

Please direct inquiries to Catherine Vlahakis at cvlahaki@nrao.edu.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

 

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu.

PM20

 

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