Diversity

Careers at NRAO

Welcome to the NRAO Careers page. Here you can find Information about current openings at the NRAO as well as other astronomically relevant career resources that are available online.

General Resources

• Careers In Astronomy; a brochure from the American Astronomical Society
• Educational Programs at the NRAO:
  • Jansky Postdoctorals
  • Student Programs at the NRAO.
  • NRAO Co-op

Demographic Information

• Charlottesville, VA
• Green Bank, WV
• Socorro, NM
• Tucson, AZ

Employee Benefits at the NRAO

How to Apply

Employment applications for classified non-scientific positions must be submitted to the designated hiring location by the posted deadline. Once completed and signed, the application, resume, and cover letter can be mailed or e-mailed to the address provided in the posting.

Note: External application forms and internal are available in pdf format.

NRAO Open Positions

The NRAO is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Most recent update: April 18, 2008 11:32 a.m. EST.

TECHNICAL SPECIALIST II
REQ NO: CV4204

SUMMARY: The Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) is a project to build a 66 element radio telescope in the Atacama Desert in Chile. A technical specialist is needed in Charlottesville, Virginia to construct and help measure cryogenically-cooled waveguide transducers used in the ALMA receivers operating at 100 and 250 GHz. Primary duties include constructing waveguide transducers and measuring them using production test equipment consisting of a semi-automated vector network analyzer and associated waveguide system. Troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining the production test system is also required. Creating and updating detailed performance documentation in paper and electronic form, writing reports, documenting operational procedures, and formatting data is also required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Duties require an introductory background in radio frequency and analog technology as provided by a two-year formal curriculum or equivalent experience. A minimum of three or more years experience in commercial or military electronics is preferred and radio frequency experience is desired. The employee must be able to communicate clearly and precisely both verbally and in writing and to become a member of a dedicated team.

Fine mechanical assembly skills, including working under a microscope, are required. The ability to work with computer spreadsheets and word processing software is required and programming skills in LabVIEW, while not required, are a plus. The ability to read and follow electrical schematics, along with experience with millimeter wave vector network analyzers, RF signal sources, waveguide systems, and cryogenics, is desired.

The candidate will be required to type on a keyboard, use a mouse, stand and sit; use hands to manipulate small objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands or arms; also required to handle cryogenic liquids using appropriate safeguards; occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

ALMA receiver production is expected to be completed by 2011. All funding for the construction project position will end on or before that date although follow-on positions may be available.

ORGANIZATION: ALMA Band 6 Cartridge Group

LOCATION: NRAO Technology Center, Charlottesville, Virginia

Resumes with a cover letter specifying the available position of interest should be addressed to NRAO, Human Resources Office, 520 Edgemont Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or electronically to resumes@nrao.edu. Non-specific resumes/applications will not be considered. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer - women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, NORTH AMERICAN ALMA SCIENCE CENTER (NAASC)
REQ NO: CV4079

SUMMARY:  We seek an outstanding scientific leader to serve as Assistant Director of the North American ALMA Science Center (NAASC), located at the NRAO Headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia, which will serve the North American users of the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array ALMA is an international project in which NRAO is a major partner.

The person holding this position will have the overall responsibility for scientific leadership, development, and operation of the Center. The NAASC supports users from proposal submission through data archiving, distribution, and analysis.In addition, the NAASC will solicit community advice on operation and future development of ALMA; sponsor scientific conferences, training programs, schools, and special events that foster development of the user community; participate in the future development of ALMA; and supervise ALMA education and public outreach activities. We seek a person who will provide clear direction and strong leadership in these areas.  The NAASC AD reports to the NRAO ALMA Project Director during construction and to the Observatory Deputy Director thereafter.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent in astronomy, physics, or a related field. Excellent communication and organizational skills are required. Research experience in millimeter-wave interferometry is highly desirable, as is a background in supporting users of astronomical observatories or data/science centers. Prior experience in management and budget development and control is desirable. NRAO offers competitive compensation, full benefits, and the opportunity to work with talented professional colleagues "some of the best in the field today."

ORGANIZATION:  North American ALMA Science Center

LOCATION:  Charlottesville, Virginia

DURATION:  Three-year renewable appointment

For consideration, please send a resume with a cover letter listing three references to: NRAO Human Resources, 520 Edgemont Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or send electronically to resumes@nrao.edu. Please reference CV4079-AD NAASC in the subject line. Applications received by April 30, 2008 will receive full consideration.  The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

SENIOR ASSISTANT TO THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR
REQ NO: CV3404

SUMMARY:   This position will provide senior administrative support of observatory science operations for the Deputy Director which will include but not be limited to design, development and production of documents, organization of meetings, and other administrative activities, initiatives, and projects. A sample of the responsibilities are production and editing of periodic Observatory reports such as the Quarterly Report, Program Plan, and Long Range Plan, other communication and reports to the NSF, meeting organization and preparation of materials for the Users Committee, Visiting Committee, AUI Board meetings and other special meetings, internal communication and newsletters, and other administrative duties, operational tasks, and special projects as they arise.

QUALIFICATIONS: Scientists should have a Ph.D. in astronomy or related science and at least five year’s experience, specifically including administrative experience and report-writing. For scientists, a portion of time for personal research can be available, as appropriate.

Candidates with an administrative or business background should have at minimum a M.S. degree and must have demonstrated experience and understanding of astronomy issues.

All candidates must have demonstrated experience and judgment in the duties as described above. Self motivation and direction, strong organizational ability, excellent written and oral communication skills, attention to details, the ability to work well as part of a team and individually, and the ability to work under deadline pressure are all essential requirements of the job.

Skills in standard office software packages (word processing, spreadsheet) are essential. Occasional travel to meetings and the various NRAO sites will be necessary.

ORGANIZATION:      Deputy Director's Office

LOCATION:   Charlottesville, Virginia

Resumes with a cover letter specifying the available position of interest should be addressed to NRAO, Human Resources Office, 520 Edgemont Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or electronically to resumes@nrao.edu. Non-specific resumes/applications will not be considered. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer - women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

TECHNICAL SPECIALIST
REQ NO:  CV2348

SUMMARY:  The successful candidate will work under the supervision of an engineer and perform the following: assist in the development and production of electronics assemblies for the ALMA front-end sub-system. This task involves the assembly, installation, testing, troubleshooting and repair of analog and digital electronics plus fabrication and integration of test equipment for front end electronic assemblies; and responsible for the organization and maintenance of lab infrastructure.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Experience with assembly and rework of printed circuit boards (PCB) employing surface mount ogy (SMT). Familiarity with basic ESD protection hardware and techniques. Experience with the assembly of multi-wire and coaxial cables Able to read electronic circuits schematic diagrams and follow detailed test procedures. Experience with the operation of basic test and measurement equipment: DMM’s, oscilloscopes, function generators and DC power supplies. Capable of operating semi-automated computer controlled test equipment. Proficiency with personal computers and basic software is required. Experience with word processing and spreadsheets such as Microsoft Word and Excel is desirable. Knowledge of RF and Microwave systems and test equipment such as power meters, spectrum analyzers and signal generators is a plus. Familiarity with basic mechanical and machine shop tools is a plus.

A technical/engineering school degree in Electronics or equivalent is required. A minimum of four years of relevant experience is preferred. The candidate must have good written and oral communication skills, be able to multi-task, and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.

ORGANIZATION:  ALMA Front End Integration Center

DURATION:  The ALMA front end production is expected to be complete by 2011. All funding for the construction project position will end on or before that date. Follow-on positions may be available.

LOCATION:  NRAO Technology Center, Charlottesville, Virginia  

Resumes with a cover letter specifying the available position of interest should be addressed to NRAO, Human Resources Office, 520 Edgemont Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or electronically to resumes@nrao.edu. Non-specific resumes/applications will not be considered. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer - women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

ASSISTANT SCIENTIST
REQ NO:  GB4212

SUMMARY:  The 100m Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) is the world's premiere single-dish radio telescope operating at centimeter/long millimeter wavelengths. It is making significant advances in many areas, including the study of pulsars and compact objects, astrochemistry, star formation, the content of nearby galaxies, the universe at high redshift, and cosmology. The GBT currently operates at frequencies up to 50 GHz (wavelengths down to 7mm), and preliminary observations have been made at 3mm.

We have initiated a program to develop focal plane arrays with the long-term goal of equipping the GBT with array receivers at a many wavelengths. As the first stage of this development we have recently started construction of a seven-pixel K-band (18-26 GHz) heterodyne feed-horn array receiver. We invite applications for the position of Project Scientist for this program. The successful candidate will be responsible for finalizing the scientific requirements and specifications for the K-band array, providing scientific guidance to the project manager and project team, and leading the testing and commissioning of the receiver on the GBT. In the longer term, the Project Scientist will provide scientific vision and leadership for the focal plane array development program as a whole.

The position is located at the NRAO at Green Bank, WV, which combines an academic setting with a rural environment.   The Project Scientist will join a staff of 10 PhD astronomers and more than two dozen other professionals engaged in research and development in the fields of engineering, computing, and education.

The appointment is at the level of Assistant Scientist for three years, with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will spend 75% of their time executing the duties described above, and will have 25% of their time available for independent research.  Support for research and travel are provided, as well as vacation accrual, health insurance, and a moving allowance. The appointment is available immediately, with the precise start date to be decided by mutual agreement. The appointment may be made at the Associate Scientist or Scientist level under exceptional circumstances.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Candidates should have, or expect to have by the agreed start date, a PhD in astronomy, physics, or a related field, and should have a plan of continuing independent research. Experience with radio astronomy instrumentation, and in particular focal plane arrays, is highly desirable. The ability to work well in a small team of scientists and engineers is essential.

ORGANIZATION:  Scientific Services

LOCATION:  Green Bank, West Virginia

Applications should include a statement of planned research, a description of relevant experience, a curriculum vitae including a publication list, and the names of three scientists who have agreed to provide letters of reference. All material should be submitted as a single PDF file of the form "LastNameFirstInitial.AssistantScientist.pdf" via email to: gbresumes@nrao.edu. Letters of recommendation may be submitted separately via email. Please reference "FPA Assistant Scientist Position, Req: GB4212" in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Initial review of applications will begin on April 15, 2008. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

NRAO POSTDOC
REQ NO: GB3623

SUMMARY:  The 100m Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) is the world's premiere single-dish radio telescope operating at centimeter/long millimeter wavelengths. The telescope is making significant advances across a wide range of scientific areas, including the study of pulsars and compact objects, astrochemistry and biology, star formation and evolution, the content of nearby galaxies, the universe at high redshift, and cosmology. The telescope currently operates at frequencies up to 50 GHz (wavelengths down to 7mm), and we have made preliminary observations at 3mm. We have an active telescope and instrument development program, including development of advanced pulsar instrumentation and bolometer and heterodyne and focal plane arrays.

NRAO invites applications for two postdoctoral appointments which will be split 50% independent research, and 50% in support of GBT operations and development. There is a wide range of possibilities for the support activities, including for example telescope and instrument commissioning, software development, data analysis algorithms and pipeline development and user support. The precise duties would be chosen to match the requirements of the telescope and the skills and interests of the successful applicants. The positions are located at the NRAO at Green Bank, WV, which combines an academic setting with a rural environment.  The successful applicants will join a staff of 10 PhD astronomers and more than two dozen other professionals engaged in research and development in the fields of  engineering, computing, and education.

The starting salary will be $51,000 per year. The appointment duration is two years, with the possibility of extension to a third year subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance. Conference and observing travel will be supported, and page charge support, vacation accrual, health insurance, and a moving allowance are also provided. The positions are available immediately with the precise start date to be decided by mutual agreement.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Candidates should have, or expect to have by the agreed start date, a PhD in astronomy, physics, or a related field, and should have a plan of continuing independent research.

ORGANIZATION:  Scientific Services

LOCATION:  Green Bank, West Virginia

Applications should include a statement of planned research, a description of any instrumentation or software experience, specific support areas of interest, a curriculum vitae including a publication list, and the names of three scientists who have agreed to provide letters of reference. All material should be submitted as a single PDF file of the form "LastNameFirstInitial.GBTPostdoc.pdf" via email to: gbresumes@nrao.edu. Letters of recommendation should be submitted separately via email. Please reference "GBT Postdoc (Req: GB3623)" in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Initial review of applications will begin on May 1, 2008.   Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.   

ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN (CRYOGENICS)
REQ NO: SO4239

SUMMARY:  The Technician will assist with the fabrication, installation and maintenance of cryogenic (very low temperature) refrigeration equipment and vacuum systems. The primary responsibility will be to assist in rebuilding and maintaining cryogenic two stage refrigerators and helium compressors. Will assist with any current and/or future upgrade projects as needed. The Technician’s main responsibility will be to support the Cryogenic group’s mission, which includes rebuilding and testing a total of 330 cryogenic refrigerators and performing maintenance on 115 helium compressors, 90 vacuum pumps, 85 helium circuits, and numerous pieces of associated lab equipment. Must be willing to respond to emergency call-outs during inclement weather and during non-standard hours. Occasional travel may be required. Will be required to perform other duties as assigned.  Job-specific training will be provided. Depending on qualifications and experience, starting pay can range between $19 - $24/hour.

QUALIFICATIONS: Completion of an Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology; or a high school diploma and a combination of education and 10 years experience in mechanical craft, SS welding, material compatibility, machining and electrical is necessary. Candidate must possess good computer skills and have a strong background and understanding of standard lab/shop equipment and must be able to read and understand mechanical/electrical drawings.  The candidate should possess good communications skills.  Prior supervisory experience is highly desirable.  The candidate must be meticulous and able to perform repetitive tasks for an extended period of time. The ability to climb antenna stairs and ladders to heights of above 100 feet, the ability to lift equipment up to 50 pounds (unassisted), visual acuity (corrected is acceptable), and the manual dexterity to perform work on small pieces of work material are required. Hearing acuity, in order to perform work safely with instructions and guidance being given over hand-held radios and/or during operations of loud machinery, and the ability to work in confined spaces are also required.  A valid NM Driver's License is required.

ORGANIZATION:  Electronics Division

LOCATION:  VLA, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM

Resumes with a cover letter specifying the available position of interest should be addressed to NRAO, Human Resources Office, PO Box O, Socorro, NM 87801-0837 or electronically to nmresumes@nrao.edu. Non-specific resumes/applications will not be considered. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer - women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER
REQ NO: SO4095

SUMMARY: The candidate filling this position will be directly involved in developing and deploying the Monitor and Control system for the ALMA radio telescope. ALMA is a state-of-the-art millimeter wavelength observatory cooperatively built by a group of international observatories at an elevation of 16,400 feet in Llano de Chajnantor, Chile. This position will focus particularly on the interaction of the Control system with the Project and Science Data Models, and providing interfaces suitable for commissioning activities as well as in later operations. The candidate will also support commissioning and testing activities at the ALMA Test Facility and at ALMA site in Chile. Some travel, including to Chile will be required. This position is expected to be funded until mid-2010. At that time, there may be opportunities within ALMA Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or an experimental science, or equivalent experience, is required. Five years of relevant software development experience is required. Experience with astronomical software development and astronomical data (preferably radio interferometric) is required, preferably both from an astronomical and a software development viewpoint. Programming experience with Java as within a larger development team is required. Experience with the ALMA Common Software and ALMA Data Models as well as knowledge of XML is highly desirable. Experience with C++ and Python is desirable.

ORGANIZATION: ALMA Computing IPT

LOCATION: Array Operations Center, Socorro, NM

Resumes with a cover letter specifying the available position of interest should be addressed to NRAO, Human Resources Office, PO Box O, Socorro, NM 87801-0837 or electronically to nmresumes@nrao.edu. Non-specific resumes/applications will not be considered. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer - women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER
REQ NO: SO4087

SUMMARY:  The candidate filling this position will be responsible for leading the Scheduling subsystem for the ALMA radio telescope. ALMA is a state-of-the-art millimeter wavelength observatory cooperatively built by a group of international observatories at an elevation of 16,400 feet in Llano de Chajnantor, Chile. The successful candidate will lead a small team (1.5 FTE) in implementing dynamic, interactive, and queue scheduling of astronomical observations broken into small time blocks. This involves the creation of GUIs, underlying queue and dynamic scheduling infrastructure, planning tools, all within the context of the overall ALMA software system. The candidate will also support commissioning and testing activities at the ALMA Test Facility and at ALMA site in Chile. Some travel, including to Chile will be required. This position is expected to be funded until the end of 2011. At that time, there may be opportunities within ALMA Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:  A BSCS or equivalent experience is required. At least five years of relevant experience is required. Experience developing astronomical software is required. Familiarity with scheduling systems and problems is required. Experience developing software with Java and XML within a larger development team is required. Experience with the ALMA Common Software and ALMA Data Models as well as knowledge of XML is highly desirable Experience with Python is desirable.

ORGANIZATION:  ALMA Computing IPT

LOCATION:  Array Operations Center, Socorro, NM

Resumes with a cover letter specifying the available position of interest should be addressed to NRAO, Human Resources Office, PO Box O, Socorro, NM 87801-0837 or electronically to nmresumes@nrao.edu. Non-specific resumes/applications will not be considered. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer - women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

EVLA MONITOR AND CONTROL SOFTWARE GROUP SUPERVISOR
REQ NO: SO3746

SUMMARY:  The Group Supervisor will lead the EVLA Monitor and Control software group.  The EVLA is an enhancement of the Very Large Array (VLA), a radio telescope located 50 miles west of Socorro, NM. More information on the EVLA can be found at http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/evla/ The EVLA Monitor and Control software includes the WIDAR correlator, the antenna control system, operator oversight programs, and resultant databases, among other elements. The candidate filling this position will be directly involved in high-level design decisions for the overall EVLA Monitor and Control software system, and will participate actively in the implementation of the resultant designs. The candidate will also be responsible for direct management of a group of up to 10 software developers, including technical leadership and supervision, from day-to-day guidance on task assignment to yearly performance reviews. The budget for the group will be under the supervisor's control, with management oversight. The candidate will be expected to give regular update reports to upper management, and organize and participate in internal and external reviews.

QUALIFICATIONS:  BS in Computer Science, or related field, is required; a Master’s level degree is preferred. Prior experience with supervision of software developers is required. Experience with real-time software systems, both design and implementation, is required. Experience with astronomical software, notably involving radio interferometers, is highly desired. For code development, experience in C is required, as is experience in at least one object-oriented language. Sufficient math and physics to quickly learn instrumental aspects of the EVLA radio telescope is required. Knowledge and experience in the areas of database design and implementation, XML, and GUI development is desired.

ORGANIZATION:  EVLA Computing

LOCATION:  Array Operations Center, Socorro, NM

Resumes with a cover letter specifying the available position of interest should be addressed to NRAO, Human Resources Office, PO Box O, Socorro, NM 87801-0837 or electronically to nmresumes@nrao.edu. Non-specific resumes/applications will not be considered. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer - women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

HEAD OF CASA SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT at NRAO
REQ NO: CV3391

SUMMARY: NRAO is playing a leading role in the construction of the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), and is also expanding the capabilities of the Very Large Array (Expanded Very Large Array, EVLA). When complete in 2012, these facilities respectively will be the most powerful millimeter/submillimeter and centimeter wavelength interferometers ever constructed. NRAO is seeking an astronomer, physicist, or software engineer with strong leadership and management capabilities to lead a team of software developers and scientists who are developing the data reduction and analysis package for ALMA and EVLA. The package, CASA (Common Astronomy Software Applications), is written primarily in C++ under a Python wrapper (for more information on CASA see http://casa.nrao.edu/).

The selected individual will formulate and organize project plans for the continued development of this software package, as well as lead the CASA development team in carrying out the plan. This position will involve frequent interaction with ALMA and EVLA scientific staff, and with the external astronomical community. Travel between sites and some international travel will be required. The successful applicant will also be encouraged to play a leading role in studies of new and efficient data processing algorithms, visualization techniques, and high performance computing systems. Up to 25% of his/her time can be used for independent scientific or computing research. The position will initially be based in Socorro, NM at the NRAO Array Operations Center with possible future transfer to the North American ALMA Science Center in Charlottesville, VA.

QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered, applicants must have an advanced degree in astronomy, physics, computer science or a related field, and some background in astronomy. Expertise in radio astronomical data processing is highly desirable. Additional requirements include experience with development in a modern object-oriented language. Experience with managing multi-site work teams in a high-technology scientific environment, project planning, and the production of user software are also desirable.

ORGANIZATION: E2E Operations

LOCATION: Socorro, NM

Applications should include a description of relevant software development and planning experience, a statement of planned independent scientific or computing research, a curriculum vitae including a publication list if applicable, and the names of three references who have agreed to provide letters upon request. A cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position and containing the job id CV3391 should also be included.  All materials should be submitted as a single pdf file to resumes@nrao.edu with CV3391 in the subject line. Applications received by March 15, 2008 will receive full consideration. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer - women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

SOFTWARE TEST ENGINEER
REQ NO: SO3754

SUMMARY:  This position involves testing the software systems used by the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA). These systems are defined by their mixture of hard real-time deadlines, high-level software, and distributed computer architecture. ALMA is a state-of-the-art millimeter wavelength observatory cooperatively built by a group of international observatories, which will place 64 12-meter antennas at an elevation of 16,400 feet in Llano de Chajnantor, Chile. The position will be based at our Array Operations Center in Socorro. Some travel, including to Chile will be required. The testers participate in the design, preparation, implementation and execution of each level of the test plan, load/stress and performance testing, confirmation/verification and regression testing, the test data and test environments. Furthermore, they have the task of maintaining and expanding existing test environments, ensuring the effective use of test tools, performing specialized and general testing, following logging problems through to resolution and liaising with application developers and end users of the system (astronomers). This position is currently funded for two years.

QUALIFICATIONS:  A BSCS (or equivalent experience), plus at least two years experience in a position with similar technical requirements is necessary. Familiarity with Unix systems and shell programming is required as well. Experience with object-oriented analysis, C++, Python and Java, (all of them or at least one of those languages) and real-time operating systems is an advantage. A high level of proficiency in written and oral communication skills is required. Experience in QA and testing methodology and processes, and working on a geographically distributed project is highly desirable. Must have, or have the ability to obtain, a passport.

ORGANIZATION:   ALMA Computing IPT

LOCATION:   Array Operations Center, Socorro, NM

Resumes with a cover letter specifying the available position of interest should be addressed to NRAO, Human Resources Office, PO Box O, Socorro, NM 87801-0837 or electronically to nmresumes@nrao.edu . Non-specific resumes/applications will not be considered. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer - women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

JAO PROJECT MANAGER
CL00016

The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) is seeking a Project Manager with outstanding management abilities for the international ALMA Project in Chile.

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) will be a (sub)millimeter wave interferometer consisting of at least 66 antennas located on the Chajnantor Altiplano in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile at 5000m altitude. Built and operated by a North-American (United States and Canada), European (13 ESO member states) and East Asian (Japan and Taiwan) partnership, in cooperation with the Republic of Chile, ALMA will be equipped with receivers covering at least six atmospheric windows between 30 and 950 GHz. The project, with a budget which exceeds a billion dollars, is being carried out jointly by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) managed by Associated Universities Incorporated (AUI) on behalf of the U.S. National Science Foundation, and the National Astronomy Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) on behalf of the National Institute of Natural Sciences (NINS).

The ALMA Board, consisting of members representing the partners, has created the Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) in Chile. The JAO is responsible for the overall leadership and management of construction, commissioning and operations of ALMA. The Executives of the three partners have each created an ALMA Regional Center (ARC) to interface between ALMA and the astronomy community.

SUMMARY:  Under delegation by the Director, the Project Manager is responsible for the overall management and technical direction of the ALMA construction and integration being carried out by the JAO and the three regional (European, East Asian and North American) project managers. The ALMA Project Manager has, inter alias, the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the project schedule and work breakdown structure, for maintaining the schedule, cost, schedule of values and assignment of deliverables. The Project Manager provides written and oral reports to the ALMA Board and summarizes the state of the project periodically to the ALMA Management Advisory Committee.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Basic requirements for the position include an advanced degree in physical sciences or engineering and an established track record of success in managing large technical projects. The project manager must also have the communication skills required to work within a complex international partnership. Experience in the management of international scientific projects is highly desirable.

The Project Manager reports to the ALMA Director and will be employed by either ESO or AUI/NRAO or NAOJ. Each of these offers attractive remuneration packages including a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and provides the financial support in relocating families. The duty station is Santiago, Chile with frequent visits to the observatory’s mid and high altitude sites. Also frequent international travel is required.

LOCATION:  CHILE

Qualified engineers or scientists are invited to apply for the ALMA Project Manager position by submitting their curriculum vitae to the Director of the JAO and should also include their bibliography and the names of three references who may be contacted about the qualifications of the candidate. All materials submitted electronically to searchALMApm@alma.cl by May 31, 2008 will receive full consideration. More information can be obtained from T. de Graauw (tdegraau@alma.cl). Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

ESO/NAOJ/NRAO Vacancy for ALMA DIRECTOR
CL00015

SUMMARY:   The ALMA Board is seeking a Director with outstanding leadership and scientific abilities for the international ALMA Project in Chile. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) will be a (sub)millimeter wave interferometer consisting of at least 66 antennas located on the Chajnantor Altiplano in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Built and operated by a North-American (United States and Canada), European (13 ESO member states) and East Asian (Japan and Taiwan) partnership, in cooperation with the Republic of Chile, ALMA will be equipped with receivers covering at least six atmospheric windows between 30 and 950 GHz. The project, with a budget which exceeds a billion dollars, is being carried out jointly by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) managed by the Associated Universities Incorporated (AUI), and the National Astronomy Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) on behalf of the National Institute of Natural Sciences (NINS).

The ALMA Board, consisting of members representing the partners, has created the Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) in Chile. The JAO is responsible for the overall leadership and management of construction, commissioning and operations of ALMA. The Executives of the three partners have each created an ALMA Regional Center (ARC) to interface between ALMA and the astronomy community.

The ALMA Director has the overall responsibility of leading the ALMA project and for reporting to the Board, the Executives, and their funding agencies on all aspects of the development of the project. Specifically the Director is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Joint ALMA Observatory and for ensuring that ALMA is constructed and commissioned according to the specifications, schedule and budget set by the ALMA Board.

The Director is also responsible for representing ALMA to the global scientific community, for managing the transition of ALMA from a construction project to a functioning astronomical observatory, for ensuring smooth operation of ALMA once the array is scientifically commissioned, for seamless coordination with the ALMA Regional Centers, and for allocating observing time during operations in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Board.

QUALIFICATIONS:   Basic requirements for the position include a PhD in astronomy, physics or related field, a proven record of scientific leadership, including management capabilities, and experience with large international scientific collaborations. The ALMA Director must also have the diplomatic skills required to work within a complex international partnership, and must have the ability to project (communicate) the scientific vision of the ALMA project to the various funding agencies and the scientific community. Excellent command of the English language is essential, and a knowledge of Spanish is an asset.

The ALMA Director reports directly to the ALMA Board, and will be employed by either ESO or AUI/NRAO or NAOJ.   Each of these offers attractive remuneration packages including a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and provides the financial support in relocating families. The duty station is Santiago, Chile, and frequent international travel is required. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

LOCATION:   Santiago, Chile

A search committee has been constituted by the ALMA Board to evaluate applications for the ALMA Director position, and to recommend a short list of candidates for Board consideration. Qualified scientists are invited to apply for the ALMA Director position by submitting their curriculum vita and a statement of the leadership role they envision for the ALMA Director to the Chair of the Search Committee, Robert Williams, Space Telescope Science Institute, at almadirsearch@gmail.com. Applicants should also include their bibliography and the names of three references who may be contacted about the qualifications of the candidate. All materials submitted electronically by 1 March 2008 will receive full consideration.

ALMA SCIENCE OPERATIONS ASTRONOMERS
REQ NO:  CL00013

JOB DUTIES: ALMA Science Operations astronomers work in the Program Management Group (PMG) of the Department of Science Operations (DSO) at the Joint ALMA Observatory. They report to the Manager of the PMG. When ALMA is in full operations they will work as Astronomer on Duty (AoD) at the ALMA Operations Support Facility (OSF), and spend part of their time at the ALMA Regional Centers (ARCs) as well as in the ALMA offices in Santiago for research and data quality control. The AoD work will consist of:

• Scheduling and execution of observations.
• Execution and development of the ALMA Calibration plan
• Data quality assurance
• Track the progress of observing programs
• Support of array reconfigurations
• Development of operations documentation and web pages
• Technical reviews of ALMA proposals

ALMA SYSTEM ASTRONOMERS
REQ NO:  CL00014

JOB DUTIES:  ALMA system astronomers work in the Program Management Group (PMG) of the Department of Science Operations (DSO) at the Joint ALMA Observatory. They report to the Manager of the PMG. The System Astronomers will be the experts on the performance of ALMA, and will provide advice and assistance to ALMA operations. They will work closely with the system engineers in the Department of Technical Services. When ALMA is in full operations their duties will consist of:

• Management of the calibration plan (continued development and maintenance of the plan)
• Monitoring and determination of the long-term performance of the array (quality control and trend analysis)
• Support of array re-configuration activities (base-line calibration, delay calibration, pointing re-calibration, etc.)
• Management of the Long-Term Queue (LTQ) of projects.

All applications should include the names of four individuals willing to serve as professional references for the applicant. Applications should be sent to the Human Resources office at NRAO, 520 Edgemont Road, Charlottesville VA 22903, USA or electronically at resumes@nrao.edu . Please reference "ALMA Science Astronomer - CL00014" in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For further information please consult the NRAO Careers Page (http://www.nrao.edu/). The NRAO/ESO are equal opportunity employers. The post is equally open to suitably qualified male and female candidates.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.