Scientific Data Analyst I – 2year Term

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

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

At NRAO, we are recruiting a Scientific Data Analyst I, 2-year term appointment.

The position is located in Green Bank, West Virginia, a beautiful and remote site bordering the Monongahela and George Washington National forests. Located 4 hours from Washington, DC, the Green Bank Observatory offers an academic atmosphere in a rural setting that features a wide variety of activities, from skiing, mountain and road biking, hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting, all within a tight-knit community.

The primary responsibility of the Scientific Data Analyst will be to provide support to observatory systems and observers through a variety of duties, including (but not limited to): providing on-call support for the GBT and possibly other site telescopes, training users to conduct GBT observations, performing technical reviews of GBT observing proposals, aiding in GBT observing documentation, and support for a variety of GBT instruments, observing modes, and observing scripts. In addition, the successful applicant will be acting as project ‘friend’ for numerous outside proposals to use the GBT, a job which involves interacting with outside scientists and astronomers to answer questions about the GBT, assist with observing script preparation and post-observation data analysis, and occasionally actively observing for the project’s principal investigator. Scientific Data Analysts may also have the opportunity to contribute and lead research and development projects.

The successful applicant should have a basic understanding of astronomy. Advanced knowledge of astronomy, especially radio and/or millimeter astronomy, and experience with radio telescope observations is desired but not required. Training will be provided for all job duties.

What You Will be Doing:

• 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 staff or ‘friend’ for outside proposals to use the GBT: answer questions about the GBT, assist with observing script preparation and post-observation data analysis, and occasionally actively observing for the project’s principal investigator.
• Pro-active compliance with Green Bank Observatory and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office environment. Will be required to sit for long periods of time and operate a personal computer. Regular on-call and scheduled weekend and night work required.

Who You Are:

Education

• You have a bachelor’s degree in Astronomy, Physics or related field.
• You have one to five years of relevant experience, encompassing the following technical expertise. An advanced astronomy degree may be substituted for years of experience:
• Working with scientific data products – reducing, plotting, and analyzing data.
• Observational experience with telescopes
• Software testing and debugging in support of users and/or telescope operations
• Face-to-face support of users/customers/students and/or mentoring or training of less experienced persons.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Very good interpersonal skills.
• Analytical thinking and able to learn new systems quickly.
• Aptitude to take on increased responsibility and the ability to take ownership of a functional area.
• Proven ability to complete self-directed assignments.
• Ability to effectively train and/or mentor others.
• Ability to use computers with M/S Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems

Experience

• Python software creation or development in another programming language.
• Familiarity with VLBI techniques

Skills and Competencies

• Attention to detail is critical
• Highly organized
• Excellent communication skills

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting hourly rate of this position is $27.44-$32.33 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• 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.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to PM20