Associate Scientist/Astronomy

Employer:          National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Position:             Associate Scientist/Astronomy  

Location:            520 Edgemont Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903  

Duties: Use extensive knowledge of radio and/or millimeter/submillimeter wavelength astronomy and expert knowledge of large astronomical interferometer or telescope array’s operational systems and procedures, and user support software, to serve as the deputy lead of the international technical team responsible for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Observatory’s Dynamic Scheduling software tool.  Serve as the North American representative on the team and as the local in-house expert in North America for ALMA’s SnooPI Project Interface software tool tracking the progress of astronomical observations done by scientists. Convey technical information to scientists, software developers, engineers and members of the scientific user community.  Prepare astronomical observations for North American users using the expert functions of the ALMA Observing Tool software.  Provide expert technical support to North American ALMA users prior to and during their astronomical observations.  Organize the North American ALMA Regional Center’s face-to-face visitor program. Organize the North American ALMA Regional Center’s Conference Support program. Participate in scientific community and public outreach and education, including mentoring students. Perform self-directed research consistent with NRAO’s general mission of the organization.

Requirements: Ph.D. or foreign equivalent in astronomy, physics or related field plus two years of relevant teaching or research experience reflecting demonstrable ability in the skill set described above.  Will accept experience gained prior to Ph.D. Requires 10% international and domestic travel to support of the ALMA Observatory in Chile, interact with international NRAO partners, and attend scientific conferences and workshops.