Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious and diverse 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 VLA/VLBA Science Support Division at NRAO is seeking a qualified candidate for a scientific staff position of Array Scientific Support Group Lead. The Group Lead will be responsible for managing staff members for supporting users of both the VLA and VLBA to maximize the scientific productivity of the user community. The initial appointment will be made at the level of Assistant Scientist. In exceptional cases, a higher rank will be considered.

The position will be based in Socorro, NM.

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 staff scientist will serve as the Array Scientific Support Group Lead.  The scientist recruited for this position will report to, and closely work with the Head of the VLA/VLBA Science Support Division. The Group Lead will also work with the AD of the Science Support and Research Department of the observatory, coordinate with the other groups within the Division, and work closely with counterparts elsewhere in the Observatory to ensure that the quality of the experience of users of NRAO telescopes is as uniform as possible. The Group Lead will be the line manager for the scientists and data analysts in the VLA/VLBA Scientific User Support Group.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for someone interested in developing leadership and management skills within the Observatory setting, with the following essential duties and responsibilities:

●        Management of a team of Scientists and/or Scientific Data Analysts, including planning, assigning, and evaluating work, and ensuring appropriate and timely completion of tasks.

●        Supporting both VLA and VLBA users via a helpdesk in the areas of

• Proposal submission,
• Observation preparation, and
• Data reduction (CASA and AIPS).

●        Scientific support (such as defining requirements) for the Proposal Submission Tool, the Observation Preparation Tool for the VLA, and SCHED for the VLBA.

●        VLA scheduling block and SCHED file verification.

●        VLA and VLBA User documentation.

●        VLA and VLBA related science web pages.

●        Face-to-face visitor support.

●        User training (e.g., workshops and community days).

●        Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures.

●        Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Works 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 or related field.

●        You have at least one year of postdoctoral experience in radio interferometry or equivalent experience.

●        You have demonstrated ability to work in and lead a team

●        While not required, you may have experience with Very Long Baseline Interferometry, and some familiarity with the Very Large Array (VLA) and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA)

Competency Summary

●        Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and make presentations at all levels.

Total Rewards:

The NRAO 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

The NRAO 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:

NRAO’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. NRAO 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. NRAO’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. Please prepare and submit your current CV along with a cover letter containing a personal statement describing why you are interested in this position, how you match it, as well as any associated plans and goals you may have related to it.

Well qualified candidates who are selected for the screening process will be asked to provide the names and contact information of three individuals familiar with your technical, scientific, and management abilities. Instructions for contact submission will be provided at the time of request. 

The PDF file is to be uploaded with the “Add Resume” feature at the applicant portal; the file name format should follow this convention: LastName,FirstInitial_SSDH.pdf. The deadline for receipt of complete applications is August 9, 2024; review of applications will begin upon receipt. Posting will remain open until filled. Please direct inquiries to Jarred Panger ([email protected]).

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 [email protected].

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)