Radio Astronomer

Computational Physics Inc; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental and Vision insurance

401(k) and Profit Sharing

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Computational Physics Inc is searching for a Radio Astronomer to support customers at USNO in Washington DC. This role involves enhancing astrometric and geodetic data products through the evaluation of new VLBI techniques.

The successful candidate must have a PhD in astronomy or physics and proficiency in Python, with experience in CASA or AIPS. Benefits include a competitive salary, employee ownership, and a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy or physics with an emphasis on radio interferometry or relevant postdoctoral work.
• Experience with common astronomical software packages such as CASA or AIPS.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support celestial reference frame maintenance at USNO.
• Develop and evaluate VLBI capabilities.
• Travel for tasks and conferences as required.

Skills

Python programming

Experience with CASA or AIPS

VLBI expertise

Education

PhD in astronomy or physics

Tools

GIS software packages (e.g., ArcGIS)

Job description

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is looking for a Radio Astronomer to support our customers at USNO, Washington DC.

About the Position

The successful candidate will support the Radio Optical Reference Frame Division in its mission to define and maintain the celestial reference frame. The candidate will support efforts to improve astrometric and geodetic data products through the development and evaluation of future Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) capabilities. Work will include: simulation and analysis of network geometry, group delay measurements, calibration techniques, and systematic errors. Travel to Socorro, NM is expected and additional travel to conferences and workshops may be required.

About the USNO

The USNO is responsible for the production and dissemination of precise time, astrometry, and Earth orientation parameters for the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community. As the DoD Celestial Reference Frame manager, USNO collects, manages, validates and disseminates celestial data, and is the authoritative source for all celestial data for the DoD. To support this mission, USNO deploys and operates astronomical telescopes at multiple locations around the world. Its analytic products support Navy, DoD and other U.S. Government needs, such as those of NASA, NOAA and other agencies, as well as the needs of non-U.S. Government users worldwide. The USNO plays an important role in the world scientific community for research on stellar dynamics, active galactic nuclei, celestial reference frames and geodesy.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy or physics with an emphasis on radio interferometry, or postdoctoral work with this experience.
• Experience with either the Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA) or Astronomical Image Processing System (AIPS) packages.
• Proficiency with Python programming and standard software development practices.
• A peer-reviewed publication record commensurate with a recent PhD or postdoctoral fellow.
• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in VLBI is highly desirable. Especially astrometric/geodetic VLBI.
• Expertise in interferometric calibration is highly desirable.
• Experience using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) or VLBA-derived data is highly desirable.
• Experience simulating interferometric networks, observations, or experiments is highly desirable.
• Experience using GIS software packages, such as ArcGIS, is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
• Positive, upbeat, and transparent company culture with opportunities for self-development and career advancement.
• Employee-owned small business that allows team members to learn from each other and take ownership.
• Professional development support including conference attendance and certification training.
• 401(k), Profit Sharing and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Disability insurance (short-term and long-term).
• Flexible schedule.
• Flexible spending account.
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Parental Leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity

CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.