Scientist Open Rank, Assistant - Associate Scientist (117)

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) across North America, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail. We are currently designing the Next-Generation VLA (ngVLA), a new facility which will offer an order-of-magnitude advance over the current VLA and VLBA with first light expected in the 2030s.

At NRAO we are seeking a Scientist (open-rank) to support the ngVLA High Resolution Subarray (HRS) design and construction effort - the ngVLA-HRS is a transcontinental interferometric array that will initially replace the VLBA during the ngVLA construction. The appointee will be expected to spend 75% of their time on functional work as part of the ngVLA Science Support Integrated Product Team (IPT), with the remaining 25% available for independent research. The primary responsibility for this position will be to help develop and maintain detailed software requirements for the ngVLA Computing and Software IPT. Other responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, supporting the development of calibration and operation processes and workflows and the eventual commissioning and scientific validation of the ngVLA-HRS.

The preferred duty station for this position is in Albuquerque, NM. The NRAO Albuquerque Office is located in the Science and Technology Park on the South Campus of The University of New Mexico (www.unm.edu). Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico with a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment, and cultural events. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Albuquerque offers ample access to outdoor recreation. Other NRAO sites for the primary duty station will also be considered.

What You Will be Doing:

• Supporting the development of operations processes and workflows.
• Developing detailed system and subsystem requirements for ngVLA-HRS software, including but not limited to the calibration and imaging pipelines and their underlying functionality.
• Carrying out a program of independent astronomical research.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment.

Who You Are:

• You have a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics or a related field, and at least one year of related experience after completion of a PhD.
• Previous experience in radio astronomy data reduction and analysis, software development, and/or commissioning is preferred.

• While not required, three or more years of related experience after completion of a PhD is preferred.

Competency Summary

• Established record of independent research.
• Research expertise in (long baseline) interferometric radio/(sub)millimeter astronomy and/or geodesy.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team.
• Demonstrated proficiency working with a geographically distributed, multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience with standard radio astronomy data reduction software (e.g., AIPS, CASA).
• Experience with observatory capability development and/or observatory operations.
• Fluency in the English language.
• Excellent communication skills including both presentations and writing technical reports.

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position

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

The 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:

Select the "Apply" button. Please prepare and send a single PDF document consisting of the following items:

• Cover letter stating why the candidate is interested in this position. The letter should describe how the candidate matches the position and qualifications described above.
• Curriculum Vitae & Publication List.
• Summary of past research and technical experience (maximum of 3 pages), including any data processing or commissioning work relevant to this position.
• The names and contact information for three individuals familiar with your technical, scientific, and management 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 deadline for receipt of complete applications is December 1, 2025. Applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. 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. PM20