ngVLA Scientist (5004)

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a diverse research and development organization 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 Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) across North America, 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.  We are currently designing the Next-Generation VLA (ngVLA), a new facility which will offer an order-of-magnitude advance over the current VLA and VLBA with first light expected in the 2030s.

At NRAO we are seeking a Scientist (open-rank) to support the ngVLA software design and development effort. The appointee will be expected to spend 75% of their time on functional work as part of the ngVLA Science Support Integrated Product Team (IPT), with the remaining 25% available for independent research.  The primary responsibility for this position will be help develop and maintain detailed software requirements for the ngVLA Computing and Software IPT.  Other responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, supporting the development of calibration and operation processes and workflows. 

The preferred duty station for this position is in Albuquerque, NM.  The NRAO Albuquerque Office is located in the Science and Technology Park on the South Campus of The University of New Mexico (www.unm.edu). Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico with a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment, and cultural events. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, both cities offer ample access to outdoor recreation.  Other NRAO sites for the primary duty station will also be considered. 

What You Will be Doing:

• Supporting the development of operations processes and workflows. 
• Developing detailed system and subsystem requirements for ngVLA software, including but not limited to the calibration and imaging pipelines and their underlying functionality.
• Contributing to calibration strategies under development for ngVLA.
• Carrying out a program of independent astronomical research.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment.

Who You Are:

• You have a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics or a related field, and at least 3 years of related experience after PhD.
• Previous experience in radio astronomy data reduction and analysis, software development, and/or commissioning is preferred.

Competency Summary

• Established record of independent research.
• Research expertise in interferometric radio/millimeter/submillimeter astronomy.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team.
• Demonstrated proficiency working with a geographically distributed, multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience with standard radio astronomy data reduction software (e.g., CASA).
• Experience with observatory capability development and/or observatory operations.
• Highly organized, with attention to detail. 
• Fluency in the English language.