Scientific Data Analyst I or II

NRAO, PO Box 2, GREEN BANK, West Virginia, United States of America

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. 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 Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

At NRAO, we are recruiting a Scientific Data Analyst (DA). The successful candidate may start at the DA I or DA II level, depending on qualifications.

The position is 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 primary responsibility of the Scientific Data Analyst will be to provide support to observatory systems 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 users to conduct GBT observations, performing technical reviews of GBT observing proposals, aiding in 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.

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

• 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.
• 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…