Scientific Data Analyst I-II

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a diverse, exciting, and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The Socorro Operations, Array Science Center Division of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory announces an opportunity for a full-time Scientific Data Analyst (SDA). The SDAs assist Observatory users by executing routine data reduction and imaging; assessing the quality of data products produced by data processing pipelines; improving the editing, calibration, and imaging of pipeline products as necessary, and providing informative summaries and scripts to the user community. The SDAs will also assist users in preparing VLA observations, will validate/verify scheduling blocks, and will respond to, refer, and follow up on routine data analyst requests submitted to the NRAO Helpdesk. This is a non-exempt classification subject to FLSA overtime regulations. Nominal work hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00 with a standard one-hour lunch period.  Depending on qualifications, a level II ranking (exempt) will be considered.

The position is based at the NRAO Science Operations Center in Socorro, NM, on the campus of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (www.nmt.edu). Socorro is a small, historical town in the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque.

What You Will be Doing:

●        Assist Observatory users with data reduction and imaging; assess the quality of pipeline data products for users, for Science Ready Data Products (SRDP) deliverables, and for VLA Sky Survey (VLASS); provide informative summaries and scripts.

●        Assist Observatory users in preparing observations and scheduling blocks.

●        Respond to, refer, and follow up on queries submitted through the Helpdesk.

●        Assist visiting scientists in data reduction, data analysis, and archive access, through one-on-one support (Helpdesk and face-to-face visits) and group training activities (workshops and tutorials).

●        Data reduction and analysis related to Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) monitoring data taken with the VLA.

●        Participate in scientific testing of software and procedures for user support and/or telescope operations.

●        Pro-active compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.

●        Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office environment.  The successful candidate will be required to sit for long periods and operate a personal computer. After an initial training period, and subject to satisfactory progress, partial teleworking may be considered.

Who You Are:

●        You have a Bachelor’s Degree in Astronomy, Physics or related field.

●        While not required, you may have experience working with radio astronomical data products and/or operating radio telescopes.

Competency Summary

Required competencies: strong communication skills (written and verbal); ability to remain calm while supporting demanding clients; analytical thinker; ability to learn new systems quickly.

Total Rewards:

The NRAO offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

The NRAO strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting pay may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions. 

Benefits:

NRAO’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. NRAO provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. NRAO’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to [email protected].

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)