Scientists (Open Rank) - North American ALMA Science Center

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and 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, and allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The North American ALMA Regional Center (NA ARC) supports the North American astronomical community in using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and, in collaboration with the ALMA international partners, provides scientific support for the operations and development of the Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) in Chile. ALMA is beginning a very exciting phase as it undergoes a major upgrade of the array’s components – the ALMA Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU). The objective is to increase the system bandwidth by at least a factor of two (and a goal of a factor of four), as well as to upgrade most receivers and the signal chain.

The NA ARC is seeking up to three qualified Scientists (open rank) within the North American ALMA Science Center (NAASC) to support ongoing ALMA operations and software design and development for the WSU. Positions will focus on one of the following two areas:

ALMA data processing software development support. The focus of two positions will be to support the ongoing development of ALMA’s current automated data processing pipeline (ALMA Pipeline) and the transition to a new data processing software (Radio Astronomy Data Processing System for ALMA; RADPS-ALMA) that is capable of handling the very large increase in data volume for some observing modes that the WSU upgrades of hardware capabilities will bring. Initially, WSU data will be processed by upgraded versions of the current ALMA Pipeline and CASA software; work on a significant refactoring of the ALMA Pipeline is already underway. Once ALMA operations with the WSU-upgraded ALMA system is underway in the 2030s, there will be a transition to the new RADPS-ALMA software whose development is being led by NRAO.

Specific duties may include supporting the development of new heuristics for automated data processing and quality assessment for the ALMA data processing pipelines and helping bring them into production for WSU commissioning and subsequent operations. This work offers numerous exciting opportunities, including: participating in the re-envisioning of data processing software design to use modern software tools for high throughput computing, abstraction of functionality, portability, containerization, etc.; and implementing new functionality such as multi-array imaging that will accelerate community science.

ALMA user and telescope support. The focus of one position will be to support users in obtaining, reducing, and analyzing data, and engaging in community training activities. Support will include current ALMA operations and the transition to the WSU-upgraded ALMA. Specific duties may include the preparation of Scheduling Blocks, serving as a Contact Scientist for user programs, supporting users on the ALMA Helpdesk or in person during face-to-face data reduction visits, preparing user documentation, supporting user training events, and data reduction. Work may also include testing and providing scientific input into the various software tools needed for program setup, scheduling, and execution.

Staff scientists within the NA ARC are involved in a variety of scientific support activities and some fraction of the successful candidates’ time may be spent on functional activities beyond the main focus of the appointments.

The positions will be based at the NRAO Headquarters located on the University of Virginia Grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia.A remote work station or fraction of tele-work time may be considered for candidates with sufficient experience.

What You Will be Doing

Appointments will be on the NRAO Scientist track (Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, or Scientist; rank will depend on the candidate’s experience). Staff scientists are expected to spend 75% of their time on functional work and the remaining 25% time on a program of independent research. Appointees will be members of the NA ARC and for functional duties will contribute to team activities under the direction of the NA ARC Manager. You will:

• (Data processing software positions) Play a major role in the planning, preparation, development and implementation of data processing pipeline software for the WSU including contributions to the development of RADPS-ALMA.
• (User and telescope support position) Support users in the preparation, execution, and/or data reduction of their observing programs and contribute to the planning and preparation for user support needs in the WSU era.
• Facilitate and enable cutting-edge science by the community and help enhance ALMA’s observing capabilities.
• Actively contribute to NAASC activities during WSU commissioning and subsequent WSU operations.
• Work closely with other members of the NAASC, NRAO, and JAO, contributing to the overall NRAO mission and to a collaborative international team environment.
• Carry out a program of independent astronomical research. Research programs are generally expected to be synergistic with the science relevant to NRAO’s current and planned facilities, particularly ALMA.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented, and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. Some domestic and international travel may be required for this position. There will be the possibility of spending periods of time at the ALMA Operations Support Facility near San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, at an elevation of 2,900m.

Who You Are:

The ideal candidates will have either a background in developing and/or commissioning astronomy data processing software relevant to ALMA or in observatory user support operations. You will demonstrate the ability to play a major role in the development and commissioning of ALMA WSU data processing software or to support ALMA users through the transition to the WSU-upgraded ALMA system.

Education and Experience:

• You have a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics or a related field.
• One or more years of relevant work experience after PhD (at the post-doctoral or staff scientist level). Candidates with at least two years of relevant experience may be given preference.
• Experience with radio/millimeter/submillimeter astronomy and interferometry and associated telescope systems (software or instrumentation).
• Experience with astronomical observing and/or working in an observatory setting.

• Demonstrated ability to work in and lead a team.
• Demonstrated record of independent research.

• Data processing software positions only:
  • Experience developing, prototyping, testing and/or commissioning astronomy data processing software and pipelines (including calibration and/or imaging) for interferometer telescopes.
  • Experience using Python or another scientific programming language.
  • Experience with common software packages used for data processing and analysis in astronomical research (e.g. CASA).

Preferred Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to comprehend and synthesize new and complex technical information

• Demonstrated ability in self-directed investigations and problem-solving
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in an internationally-distributed team environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Versatility to adapt to new challenges and opportunities as NRAO’s astronomical landscape and observatory functional needs evolve

• Data processing software positions only:
  • Developing software, including the use of version control, documentation, and testing
  • Developing requirements for, implementing, and/or validating cutting edge astronomy data processing software, other telescope software, and/or hardware
  • Diagnosing and troubleshooting telescope or array related issues, including diagnostic analysis of imperfect radio or millimeter data

Additional Requirement

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

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The typical starting salary for Scientist (open rank) positions is between $85,000-$138,000 depending on rank appointed (Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, or Scientist). 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:

Select the “Apply” button. Please prepare a single PDF document consisting of the following items:

1. Cover letter describing why you are interested in the position. The letter should describe which of the two roles you are interested in and how you match the qualifications listed above (maximum 2 pages).
2. Curriculum vitae, including list of refereed publications.
3. Summary of past technical and/or observational experience relevant to the position (maximum 3 pages).
4. Description of research accomplishments and future research plans (maximum 3 pages).
5. The names and contact details of three (3) people familiar with your experience and abilities. As part of the selection process, we may request letters of reference from these individuals.

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_NAASC.pdf. The deadline for receipt of complete applications is September 01, 2026.Please direct inquiries to Catherine Vlahakis at cvlahaki@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