Scientific Data Analyst - Radio Astronomy & GBT

AUI; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical, dental and vision plans

Retirement plan

Job summary

NRAO in Green Bank, WV seeks a Scientific Data Analyst (DA I/II) to support observatory systems and observers, provide on-call support, train users, and review observing proposals. The role involves interaction with outside scientists to plan and analyze GBT data, and may include leading R&D projects.

Candidates should have a bachelor’s in Astronomy or Physics, 1–5 years of relevant experience, skills in Python, Linux/Windows/MacOS, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics or related field required.
• 1–5 years of relevant experience with technical expertise.
• 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 ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Aptitude to take on increased responsibility and ownership of a functional area.
• Proven ability to complete self-directed assignments.
• Ability to effectively train and/or mentor others.
• Ability to use Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Responds to observer questions regarding GBT observing and data reduction.
• Maintains 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.
• Provides back-up for GBT script creation and projects.
• Performs technical reviews for 20–40 GBT proposals annually.
• On-call support for GBT observers.
• Supports outside proposals to use the GBT: answer questions, assist with script preparation and data analysis, and occasionally observe for the PI.
• Complies with Green Bank Observatory and government safety policies.

Skills

Python

Observational experience

Data analysis

Training/mentoring

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Windows/MacOS/Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in Astronomy or Physics or related field

Tools

VLBI techniques

MS Office

Visio

SharePoint

Job description

NRAO in Green Bank, WV seeks a Scientific Data Analyst (DA I/II) to support observatory systems and observers, provide on-call support, train users, and review observing proposals. The role involves interaction with outside scientists to plan and analyze GBT data, and may include leading R&D projects.

Candidates should have a bachelor’s in Astronomy or Physics, 1–5 years of relevant experience, skills in Python, Linux/Windows/MacOS, and strong communication.