Research Associate - ngVLA Prototype Antenna (4881)
Company: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Socorro
Posted on: November 18, 2024
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Job Description:
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Position Description: Position SummaryThe National Radio Astronomy
Observatory (NRAO) is a diverse 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 early 2030s.At NRAO we
are seeking a Research Associate to work on testing a prototype
ngVLA 18m reflector antenna that will be located at the VLA site,
expected to be available in Spring 2025. The antenna is a novel
Offset Gregorian design with performance tailored for observations
from 1.2 to 116 GHz while accounting for the need for mass
manufacturing and simplified site installation. The appointment
will be awarded initially for a two-year period, potentially
renewable for a third year. The appointee will be expected to spend
75% of their time on antenna testing, commissioning,
characterization and related work, with the remaining 25% available
for independent research.The preferred work location for the
position will be at the NRAO Science Operations Center located in
Socorro, NM on the campus of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and
Technology (www.nmt.edu). Socorro is a small, historical city in
the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque. With over 300
days of sunshine each year, Socorro offers ample access to outdoor
recreation. Frequent travel to the VLA site to work directly with
the antenna is also expected. Other duty stations may be
considered.What You Will be Doing: Planning and executing test
observations aimed at characterizing antenna performance including
surface accuracy and efficiency, pointing/focus and beam shape.
Testing antenna performance in a variety of weather conditions
(thermal, wind). Applying both single-dish (radiometric) and
interferometric methods for the above tests. Developing necessary
data analysis procedures. Interacting with other engineers and
scientists to troubleshoot system issues. Contributing to
calibration strategies under development for ngVLA. Carrying out a
program of independent astronomical research. Debugging prototype
failures and assisting the engineering and maintenance teams.
Capturing recommendations to be considered in the final design of
the ngVLA antenna. Work EnvironmentWork 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. Previous
experience in radio astronomy instrumentation, development, and/or
commissioning is preferred.Competency Summary Experience with
standard radio astronomy data reduction software (CASA, etc).
Attention to detail is critical Highly organized Fluency in the
English language. Excellent communication skills including both
presentations and writing technical reports.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.CompensationAUI strives to attract and retain
dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by
offering competitive compensation and recognition for
performance.The starting salary of this position is between $62,000
$65,000. 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:AUIs 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. AUIs retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to
10 percent of a qualified participants 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:
PI743ea60c401f-37248-32933179
Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Rio Rancho , Research Associate - ngVLA Prototype Antenna (4881), Other , Socorro, New Mexico
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