Scientist Open Rank, Assistant - Associate Scientist (108)

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Title : Scientist Open Rank, Assistant - Associate Scientist (108)

Location : NRAO Array Operations Center, PO Box 0, SOCORRO, New Mexico, United States of America

Requisition Number : 108

Job Family : Astronomy

Pay Type : Salary

Required Education : SCI

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. 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 NRAO also host conferences and workshops, providing opportunities to exchange ideas and expertise as well as build partnerships.

The NRAO is seeking a Scientist (open rank) who will play a central role in the science support operations of the VLA and the VLBA telescopes, with a focus on VLBA performance. The appointment will be on the NRAO Scientist track, with starting rank determined by the candidate's experience.

The appointee will serve in the VLA / VLBA Science Support Division and will be based in Socorro, NM. Opportunities for a partial telework agreement are available.

What You Will be Doing

The appointment will be on the NRAO Scientist track, with 25% discretionary research time and 75% functional responsibilities. For functional work, the main responsibilities will be within telescope and user support, with an emphasis on the VLBA. Examples of duties for scientific staff are :

• Track and characterize instrument performance and work with software and hardware engineers, and maintenance groups to identify and solve problems.
• Develop and test new observing capabilities and modes for the VLBA and / or the VLA.
• Contribute to the design, development, testing, and documentation of software related to science support.
• Provide support for VLBA and VLA users.
• Support active and engaged research to push the telescopes' capabilities, building on their own research and the needs of the broader astronomical community.
• Aid in the design, development, and testing for future telescopes and / or telescope capability, including writing requirements, project oversight, testing, and / or commissioning of the instrument.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment. Must be able to work at a computer with detailed and complex textual and numerical information.

Who You Are :

Preferred Qualifications

Competency Summary

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

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 :

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

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_PSVLBA.pdf. The deadline for receipt of complete applications is October 20, 2025. Please direct inquiries to careers@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

Please see job description

PI278229307