Scientific Data Analyst II - Military veterans preferred

Position Description:

The Green Bank Observatory oversees the development and operation of the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the world’s largest fully steerable telescope, as well as numerous smaller telescopes which are used for a variety of scientific and educational purposes. With a wavelength coverage of 1.5-m through 2.6-mm, the GBT is used for a diverse range of scientific research, including fundamental physics, gravitational wave astronomy, pulsars and fast radio transients, star formation, Galactic and extragalactic structure, astrochemistry, cosmology, planetary science, and SETI.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Scientific Data Analyst to join the staff of the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia.

The primary responsibility of the Scientific Data Analyst will be supporting observatory scientists and observers through a variety of duties, including (but not limited to): providing on-call support for the GBT and possibly other site telescopes, training GBO staff members to support GBT observations, performing technical reviews of GBT observing proposals, oversight of GBT observing documentation, and support for a variety of GBT instruments, observing modes, and observing scripts. In addition, the successful applicant will be acting as project ‘friend’ for numerous outside proposals to use the GBT, a job which involves interacting with outside scientists and astronomers to answer questions about the GBT, assist with observing script preparation and post-observation data analysis, and occasionally actively observing for the project’s principal investigator. Scientific Data Analysts may also have the opportunity to contribute and lead research and development projects.

This scientific data analyst position will be located in Green Bank, West Virginia, a beautiful and remote site bordering the Monongahela and George Washington National forests. Located 4 hours from Washington, DC, the Green Bank Observatory offers an academic atmosphere in a rural setting that features a wide variety of activities, from skiing, mountain and road biking, hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting, all within a tight-knit community.

The successful applicant should have at least a basic understanding of astronomy. Knowledge of radio and/or millimeter astronomy and experience with radio telescope observations is desired but not required. Training will be provided for all job duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responds to observer questions regarding GBT observing and data reduction
• Maintains a working knowledge of issues, observing, and data reduction techniques for the GBT
• Assists scientific staff with training, software testing, and procedures for user support and/or telescope operations.
• Aids in observer facing and internal documentation efforts
• Provide back-up for all (GBT) VLBI script creation and projects
• Technical reviews for 20-40 GBT proposals annually
• On-call support for GBT observers
• Support staff or ‘friend’ for outside proposals to use the GBT: answer questions about the GBT, assist with observing script preparation and post-observation data analysis, and occasionally actively observing for the project’s principal investigator.
• Pro-active compliance with Green Bank Observatory 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. Will be required to sit for long periods of time and operate a personal computer. Regular on-call and scheduled weekend and night work required.

Who You Are:

• You have a bachelor’s degree in Astronomy, Physics or related field.
• You have one to five years of relevant experience encompassing the following technical expertise. An advanced astronomy degree may be substituted for years of experience:
• Working with scientific data products – reducing, plotting, and analyzing data.
• Observational experience with telescopes
• Software testing and debugging in support of users and/or telescope operations
• Face-to-face support of users/customers/students and/or mentoring or training of less experienced persons.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Very good interpersonal skills.
• Analytical thinking and able to learn new systems quickly.
• Aptitude to take on increased responsibility and the ability to take ownership of a functional area.
• Proven ability to complete self-directed assignments.
• Ability to effectively train and/or mentor others.
• Ability to use computers with M/S Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems

• Although not required, you may have experience in:
• Python software creation or development in another programming language.
• Experience working with large data sets, potentially using machine learning techniques.
• Familiarity with VLBI techniques.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply Now” button. Please be prepared to upload your current resume and a cover letter of interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Associated Universities, Inc. (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