RFI Scientist (Assistant Scientist) (4798)

Company: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Charlottesville
Posted on: January 18, 2023

Job Description:

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Position Description: Position SummaryNRAOs mission is to enable forefront research into the Universe at radio wavelengths. In partnership with the scientific community we:

• provide world leading telescopes, instrumentation and expertise,
• train the next generation of scientists and engineers;
• advance broader, equitable, inclusive participation in science and engineering;
• and promote astronomy to foster a more scientifically literate society.To fulfill its mission, the NRAO has a scientific staff and supports a program of staff scientific research that enables leadership and high quality in all these areas. Staff scientists are expected to push the telescopes capabilities, building on their own research and the needs of the broader astronomical community.The Electromagnetic Spectrum Management Division of NRAO is recruiting for a 2.5-year term NRAO scientific staff position as an Assistant Scientist to lead efforts to develop an end-to-end solution for shared spectrum use. The successful candidate(s) will work in areas related to the Observatorys current and planned future facilities: the VLA, VLBA, ALMA, and the ngVLA. These appointments will be made on the basis of the candidates demonstrated abilities to further the mission of NRAO, to develop the scientific, technical, and broader impacts environment of the Observatory, and to deliver world class science and scientific impact in the general astronomy research community. The successful candidate(s) shall have demonstrated excellence in research and research leadership, and demonstrated the ability to provide vision and leadership for development of new, innovative science and engineering concepts and directions relevant to NRAOs mission.The preferred location for the position is at our headquarters in Charlottesville, VA, however a remote work arrangement will be considered based on the candidates experience. In addition to competitive pay, NRAO provides excellent paid time off benefits (vacation and sick leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective first day of employment. NRAOs retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay. No contribution is required of the employee; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.Job Duties SummarySpecific Duties for this RFI scientist position include:
  • With the assistance of a dedicated RFI Data Analyst, carry out a full analysis and characterization of historical and current RFI in the 10.7-12.7 GHz band and other observing bands at the Very Large Array, Very Long Baseline Array, and Green Bank Telescope.
  • In coordination with the NRDZ Project, explore the impacts of mega-constellations on observatories, through continued modeling, cooperative field testing, and ongoing data acquired from an innovative pilot project involving a community near the VLA. NRAO will regularly and openly report on these efforts.
  • Propose an open-source frequency-sharing plan (Radio Astronomy Zone Multiplexing), complete with hardware and software requirements, and open-source parameters for coordination between any RAO and any satellite operator. NRAO will present an end-to-end solution and real-world data that will address the needs of satellite-telescope interactions.
  • Comment in a final report on the potential applicability of this solution to other transmitters/frequencies/facilities.NRAO staff scientists are expected to carry out an independent research program using 25% of their time. An applicants research program may be multi-wavelength in nature as long as it has synergies with NRAO facilities. Active and engaged research is important because staff scientists are expected to push the telescopes capabilities, building on their own research and the needs of the broader astronomical community. Finally, staff scientists are also expected to be versatile and adapt to new challenges and opportunities as NRAO and the astronomical landscape evolves.Work EnvironmentWork is typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. Some domestic and international travel will be required.Position Requirements: Minimum EducationPhD in astronomy, astrophysics or related fieldPreferred Experience
    • Experience with radio/millimeter astronomy and interferometry and associated calibration and imaging techniques
    • Experience using Python or another scientific programming language
    • Experience with RFI impact on single dish and/or interferometer data
    • Familiarity with or interest in software development processes, including specifying software requirements and validating software
    • Demonstrated interest in broadening participation, scientific community outreach, and commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusionCompetency Summary
      • High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems
      • Attention to detail is critical
      • Demonstrated problem-solving ability
      • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in geographically-distributed team environment
      • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
      • Highly organized
      • Versatility and adaptability to a changing functional work environmentApplication Instructions: Select the Apply button. You will need to be prepared to upload your current resume and a cover letter as a single PDF document consisting of the following items:
      • Cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position. (Maximum 2 pages).
      • Curriculum vitae
      • List of refereed publications
      • Description of research accomplishments and future research plans (maximum 3 pages)The deadline for receipt of applications is January 31, 2023.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 resumes@nrao.edu.The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.PM20
        
        
        
        
        PI201324841

Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Charlottesville , RFI Scientist (Assistant Scientist) (4798), Other , Charlottesville, Virginia