Astronomy Data Analyst — GBT Observing & Data Support

Associated Universities, Inc.; West Virginia; On-site; USD 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO: 13 holidays and up to 24 vacation

Medical, dental, and vision on day one

Retirement contribution 10%

Job summary

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) operates the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank, West Virginia. The organization seeks a Scientific Data Analyst I to support observatory systems, assist observers with data reduction, and help with observing scripts and post-observation analysis on a 2-year term.

The role requires a basic understanding of astronomy; advanced radio/millimeter astronomy knowledge is preferred. Training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, or related field.
• 1–5 years of relevant experience in astronomical data analysis or related work.
• Experience reducing, plotting, and analyzing scientific data.
• Observational experience with telescopes.
• Software testing and debugging to support users and telescope operations.
• Strong communication and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to work with Windows, macOS and Linux systems.

Responsibilities

• Responds to observer questions regarding GBT observing and data reduction.
• Maintains a working knowledge of issues, observing, and data reduction techniques for the GBT.
• Assists scientific staff with training, software testing, and procedures for user support and/or telescope operations.
• Aids in observer-facing and internal documentation efforts.
• Provide back-up for all (GBT) VLBI script creation and projects.
• Technical reviews for 20-40 GBT proposals annually.
• On-call support for GBT observers.
• Support for outside proposals to use the GBT: answer questions about the GBT, assist with observing scripts and post-observation data analysis.

Skills

Python programming

Attention to detail

Excellent communication

Highly organized

Education

BSc in Astronomy/Physics or related field

Tools

Windows

macOS

Linux

Job description

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) operates the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank, West Virginia. The organization seeks a Scientific Data Analyst I to support observatory systems, assist observers with data reduction, and help with observing scripts and post-observation analysis on a 2-year term.

The role requires a basic understanding of astronomy; advanced radio/millimeter astronomy knowledge is preferred. Training will be provided.