Scientist (Open Rank)

NCSL International; Socorro (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & holidays

Medical, dental & vision plans

Retirement contribution 10% of basepay

Job summary

National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) invites applications for Scientists at Open Rank in Socorro, NM. The role focuses on maintaining an independent research program that leverages Observatory facilities and advancing the capabilities of the VLA and VLBA.

Ideal candidates have a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics and at least 1 year of post-doctoral experience in radio astronomy or related fields, with strong communication and collaborative skills. Partial telework is possible.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or related field.
• At least 1 year of post-doctoral experience in radio astronomy or a closely related field.
• Opportunities for partial telework are available.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active independent research program using Observatory facilities.
• Support research to push telescope capabilities and serve the broader astronomical community.
• Contribute to the Observatory mission within a collaborative environment across scientific and functional teams.
• Assist with outreach and education activities and broader impact initiatives.
• Calibrate and test observatory instruments; work with software/hardware engineers to resolve issues.
• Support Observatory users in relevant areas.
• Contribute to design, development, and testing for future telescopes, including writing requirements and project oversight.
• Contribute to software design, development, and documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Scientific computing

Observatory software

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy or physics

Job description

Title: Scientist (Open Rank)

Location: 1011 Lopezville Rd, Socorro, NM 87801, USA

Requisition Number: 242

Job Family: Astronomy

Pay Type: Salary

Required Education: SCI

Position Description:

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:

• 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.

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

PI286223963