Scientist (Open Rank)

Colonial Group; New Mexico; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent paid time off

Medical, dental and vision plans

AUI retirement benefit

Job summary

National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Socorro, NM seeks two Scientists (Open Rank) to contribute to the Science Operations of the VLA and VLBA. The role blends independent research with functional responsibilities and offers partial telework options.

The appointees will maintain a research program, support telescope operations, and participate in outreach, while collaborating with engineers and software teams to advance instrumentation and software for future projects.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or related field.
• At least 1 year of post-doctoral experience in radio astronomy, geodesy, or related field.
• Preferred: working knowledge of radio and/or millimeter wavelength astronomy.
• Preferred: experience with observatory science operations.
• Established record of independent research.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active independent research program leveraging Observatory facilities.
• Support telescope and user services for VLA and VLBA operations.
• Contribute to collaboration, leadership, and team-building in scientific and functional areas.
• Assist with outreach, public engagement and broader impact activities.
• Calibrate and test Observatory instruments; track performance with engineers.
• Design, develop, test, and document software for Observatory use.

Skills

Effective communication

Verbal and written communication

Scientific computing

Radio astronomy knowledge

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, 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.

At NRAO, we are seeking two Scientists, Open Rank (Assistant, Associate, or Scientist) who will actively contribute to the Science Operations of the VLA and VLBA. The appointees will be based in Socorro, NM. Opportunities for partial telework agreements exist.

What You Will be Doing:

The appointment will be on the NRAO Scientist track, with 25% discretionary research time and 75% functional responsibilities. For functional work, the main responsibilities will be to contribute to the VLA and VLBA telescope and user support groups. Staff scientists are expected to be versatile and flexible in their science and functional work to adapt to new challenges and opportunities as the Observatory and the astronomical landscape evolve. Example duties consist of, but are not limited to:

• Maintain an active independent research program which makes significant use of Observatory facilities.
• Support active and engaged research to push the telescopes' capabilities, building on their own research and the needs of the broader astronomical community.
• Contribute to the overall Observatory mission and work within a collaborative environment that promotes motivation, leadership and team building, in both scientific and functional areas.
• Assist with and participate in scientific community outreach activities, public outreach and education activities and in broader impact activities.
• Perform calibration and testing of existing Observatory instruments. Track and characterize instrument performance and work with software and hardware engineers, and maintenance groups to identify and solve problems.
• Support the Observatory users in relevant areas.
• Aid in the design, development, and testing for future telescopes and/or telescope capability, including writing requirements, project oversight, testing, and/or commissioning of the instrument.
• Contribute to the design, development, testing, and documentation of software.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a research and development environment. May occasionally be required to work outdoors. May occasionally work at high altitudes, and in high, precarious places and in various weather conditions.

Who You Are:

Education

• a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or related field

Experience

• At least 1 year of post-doctoral experience working in radio astronomy, geodesy, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of radio and/or millimeter wavelength astronomy.
• Experience with observatory science operations.
• Established record of independent research

Skills and Competencies

• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to clearly convey technical information to software developers, engineers, scientists, technicians, and others.
• Ability to interact with others in a positive and respectful manner.
• Familiarity with scientific computing/observatory software/radio astronomy technology.

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:

• 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