Volunteer Astronomy Data Analysis Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Description:

Position Summary

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. 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 an Assistant Scientist to join a rapidly growing team to support the ngVLA software design and development effort. 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. 

The preferred duty station for this position is at the NRAO Headquarters located on the University of Virginia Grounds in Charlottesville, VA.  Charlottesville is a charming mid-sized city nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a rare blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, consistently ranking among the most livable small cities in the US.  Charlottesville offers an unusually high quality of life for its size, providing a blend of academic energy and outdoor recreation.  Other NRAO sites for the primary duty station will also be considered and occasional travel to other NRAO sites is expected.

What You Will be Doing:

• Supporting the development and prototyping of operations processes and workflows.
• Developing detailed system and subsystem requirements for ngVLA software, including but not limited to the calibration and imaging pipelines and their underlying functionality.
• Contributing to calibration strategies under development for ngVLA.
• 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 (preferably) at least 3 years of related experience after PhD.
• Previous experience in radio astronomy data reduction and analysis, software development, and/or commissioning is preferred.

Competency Summary

• Established record of independent research.
• Research expertise in interferometric radio/millimeter/submillimeter astronomy.
• 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., CASA).
• Experience with observatory capability development and/or observatory operations.
• Highly organized, with attention to detail. 
• Fluency in the English language.
• Excellent communication skills including both presentations and writing technical reports.

Additional Requirement

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

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The typical starting salary for an Assistant Scientist starts at $85,000. Factors which may affect starting pay may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• 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.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

For consideration, select the “Apply” button above. Please prepare a single PDF document consisting of the following items:

• Cover letter stating why you are interested in this position. The letter should describe how you match the position and qualifications summarized above (no more than 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae including publications 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 and scientific 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 PDF file is to be uploaded with the “Additional Documents” feature at the applicant portal; the file name format should follow this convention: LastName,FirstInitial_ngVLA.pdf. The deadline for receipt of complete applications is September 1, 2026. Please direct inquiries to resumes@nrao.edu. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

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