Scientist Open Rank, Assistant - Associate Scientist (108) - Military veterans preferred

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. 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 NRAO also host conferences and workshops, providing opportunities to exchange ideas and expertise as well as build partnerships.

The NRAO is seeking a Scientist (open rank) who will play a central role in the science support operations of the VLA and the VLBA telescopes, with a focus on VLBA performance. The appointment will be on the NRAO Scientist track, with starting rank determined by the candidate’s experience.

The appointee will serve in the VLA/VLBA Science Support Division and will be based in Socorro, NM. Opportunities for a partial telework agreement are available.

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 within telescope and user support, with an emphasis on the VLBA. Examples of duties for scientific staff are:

• Track and characterize instrument performance and work with software and hardware engineers, and maintenance groups to identify and solve problems.
• Develop and test new observing capabilities and modes for the VLBA and/or the VLA.
• Contribute to the design, development, testing, and documentation of software related to science support.
• Provide support for VLBA and VLA users.
• Support active and engaged research to push the telescopes' capabilities, building on their own research and the needs of the broader astronomical community.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment. Must be able to work at a computer with detailed and complex textual and numerical information.

Who You Are:

• You have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or related field.
• You have at least 1 year of post-doctoral experience working in radio astronomy, geodesy, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with very long baseline interferometry, including with reducing VLBI data.
• Knowledge of radio astronomy instrumentation.
• Established record of independent research.

Competency Summary

• 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.
• Flexibility and adaptability to a changing work environment.

Total Rewards:

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) 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

AUI 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 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

AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI 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. AUI’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:

For consideration, select the “Apply” button. Please prepare a single PDF document consisting of the following items:

• Cover letter stating why you are interested in this position – the letter should describe how the you match the position and qualifications summarized above (no more than 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae including publications list
• Summary of past research (1 page)
• Future research plan describing specifically synergies with NRAO facilities (2 pages)
• Summary of past technical and observational experience relevant to this position (1 page)
• The names and contact information for three individuals familiar with your technical and scientific abilities. Candidates selected for an interview must be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation. Instructions for letter submission will be provided at the time of request.

The PDF file is to be uploaded with the “Additional Documents” feature at the applicant portal; the file name format should follow this convention: LastName,FirstInitial_PSVLBA.pdf. The deadline for receipt of complete applications is October 20, 2025. Please direct inquiries to Jarred Panger (jpanger@nrao.edu).

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 resumes@nrao.edu. PM20