Scientist (Open Rank)

Colonial Group; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Retirement plan (10% employer match)

Paid time off (vacation/holidays)

Job summary

National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) seeks a Scientist, Open Rank (Assistant, Associate, or Scientist) to oversee the VLBA X‑Ka Wideband Receiver Project. The appointee will split time between development work and independent research, with a three-year appointment and potential renewal.

The position is based in New Mexico at Albuquerque or Socorro, with travel between sites as required. The role requires a PhD in astronomy or related field and at least one year of radio interferometry

Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy or related field.
• At least one year of experience using radio interferometry for astronomical research.
• Strong written and oral English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Technical Development and Integration: capture and maintain top level project requirements; coordinate installation; prepare material for project reviews; establish standard observing bands; participate in trade studies.
• Community and User Support: communicate with scientific users and external partners; prepare user guides and public-facing documentation.
• Scientific Contribution: contribute to broader VLBA development; maintain awareness of related facilities; maintain an independent research program using Observatory facilities.
• Work Environment: office-based role requiring working with detailed and numerical information.
• Travel to NM locations as required to support VLBA project activities.

Skills

Python

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Linux/Unix

Travel

Education

PhD in astronomy or related field

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.

The development of an X‑Ka wideband receiver spanning 8-38 GHz has begun for the VLBA, enabling new scientific and astrometric capabilities for the instrument. This highly anticipated upgrade will add flexibility and enhance performance by significantly increasing the instantaneous bandwidth available for channelization, enabling access to previously unobservable frequencies, and enabling more efficient and comprehensive spectral studies.

The NRAO is seeking a Scientist, Open Rank (Assistant, Associate, or Scientist) to be the Project Scientist for the VLBA X‑Ka Wideband Receiver Project. The appointee will be expected to spend 75% of their time on functional work as part of the VLBA Development Team, with the remaining 25% available for independent research. The primary responsibility of this position is to help oversee the development and integration of a novel X‑Ka receiver system being developed for installation on the VLBA. The appointment will be on the NRAO Scientist track, with starting rank determined by the candidate’s experience.

• This position will be a three‑year appointment, with the possibility of renewal subject to observatory needs, budget and mutual agreement.
• It will be based in New Mexico at either the Albuquerque or Socorro NRAO office with travel between the two sites as required.

What You Will be Doing

Technical Development and Integration

• Capture and maintain top level project requirements
• Work with project leadership to develop and maintain project foundation documents
• Organize testing and commissioning campaigns and preparation of test reports
• Help coordinate installation while minimizing impacts to the VLBA observing program
• Prepare material for and participate within project reviews
• Establish standard observing bands
• Participate in trade studies

Community and User Support

• Communicate with scientific users and external mission partners
• Prepare user- and public-facing documentation such as user guides, news articles, press releases

Scientific Contribution

• Contribute to the broader VLBA development portfolio by consulting and collaborating with teams on parallel projects like the Next Generation Radar (ngRadar) and the Next Generation VLA (ngVLA).
• Maintain awareness of developments at related astronomical facilities
• Maintain an active independent research program which ideally makes significant use of Observatory facilities

Work Environment

The position is based in an office environment. The successful candidate must be able to work at a computer with detailed and complex textual and numerical information.

Who You Are

Education

• A PhD. In astronomy or related field

Experience

• At least one year of related experience using radio interferometry for astronomical research

Skills and Competencies

• Strong communication skills in written and oral English
• Strong inter-personal skills
• Familiarity with Linux / Unix operating systems
• Ability to travel

Preferred

• High-level understanding of the functionality of radio telescopes
• Experience scheduling VLBI experiments
• Experience reducing VLBI data
• Experience within a leadership team of medium to large projects
• Proficiency in the Python computer language

Additional Requirement

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 salary rate of this position is between $85,000-$138,000 per year. 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 https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to [e-mail]. PM20