Assistant Scientist

Position Description: Position SummaryThe 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 recent years the rapid expansion of non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems for broadband internet and cellular services has significantly increased radio frequency interference (RFI) exposure at remote radio astronomy response NRAO and the broader radio astronomy community with support from the NSF have spearheaded collaborative efforts with commercial NGSO operators to develop coordination techniques that help mitigating the impact of satellite downlink signals on scientific observations. A key outcome of these efforts is the Operational Data Sharing (ODS) system an automated machine-to-machine (M2M) data exchange framework that reports upcoming telescope observation schedules to a central database from which NGSO operators can query real-time telescope parameters via a secure Application Programming Interface (API).The NRAO Spectrum Management Department (SMD) is seeking an Assistant Scientist to join the ODS project team. As an NRAO scientific staff member the appointee will dedicate 75% of their time to functional work within the ODS development team with the remaining 25% available for independent research. The primary responsibility of this position is to support coordinated testing and evaluation of the ODS system across NRAO sites other U.S. radio astronomy observatories and spectrum management groups at relevant federal agencies as more users are adopting the ODS system. For more information on the ODS system please visit: This is a three-year appointment with the possibility of renewal subject to observatory needs funding availability and mutual position is based preferably at the NRAO headquarters in Charlottesville Virginia. Telework or a remote options may be available for consideration to a highly qualified travel between NRAO sites (in New Mexico and West Virginia) and conferences is You Will be Doing:Technical Development and Integration:Capture and maintain top level project requirementsWork with project leadership to develop and execute new software featuresParticipate development activities with the ODS software teamSupport testing and analysis activities for ODS evaluation for different stakeholders including scheduling telescope test time and developing python analysis and Stakeholder Support:Communicate requirements and coordinate testing with internal and external ODS stakeholdersPrepare and review documentation (internal- or public-facing) e.g. user guides online documentation press releases or lead technical writing efforts e.g. technical memos journal publications FCC filing comments the broad-impact efforts within SMD and NRAO in general including summer student mentoring public outreach Contribution:Contribute to and support broader NRAO spectrum management activities within the department and the observatoryMaintain awareness of relevant technology developments and spectrum policiesMaintain an active independent research program ideally make significant use of NRAO facilities and internal collaborations along with supporting the NRAOs missionsWork EnvironmentWork is mission driven team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development You Are:You have a PhD in astronomy physics mathematics electrical/computer science engineering or related have at least one year of experience collaborating with inter-departmental groups and large scientific or engineering collaborationsYou have prior experience contributing to or leading medium to large-scale research projects with a track record of delivering results within a team settingDemonstrated experience measuring and interpreting large dataset from RF systemsWhile not required you may have:Prior experience in spectrum management and frequency coordination including proficiency in radio wave propagation calculations and link budget analysisPrior experience with observations using NRAO facilities (GBT VLBA VLA)Knowledge of radio astronomy science and RF instrumentation is highly desirableFamiliarity with SQL and relational database concepts with experience in querying managing and maintaining structured datasets in a research or engineering context such as with APIProficiency in Python with experience developing and maintaining scientific or engineering software in a collaborative environmentFamiliarity with Linux/Unix operating systems and command-line workflowsExperience with version control systems particularly Git via GitHub or GitLab in a team development settingFamiliarity with modern software development methodologies such as Agile or ScrumExperience with issue tracking and project management platforms such as Jira and ConfluenceStrong documentation skills including taking meeting notes organizing project materials and preparing technical documents using LaTeX or equivalent toolsCompetency SummaryExcellent written and oral communication skills in English with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiencesStrong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders both within and outside the observatoryDemonstrated ability to adapt quickly to evolving project requirements and shifting priorities often with little advance notice in a dynamic research and development environmentWillingness and ability to travel domestically on an occasional basisAdditional RequirementObservatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor new H-1B Visas for this Rewards: CompensationThe typical starting salary for an Assistant Scientist starts at $85000. 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 :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 retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay with no required employee Total Rewards for more 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 listSummary of past research and technical experience (maximum of 3 pages) including any data processing or commissioning work relevant to this 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 PDF file is to be uploaded with the Additional Documents feature at the applicant portal; the file name format should follow this convention: . The deadline for receipt of complete applications is December 1 2026. Please direct inquiries to Opportunity Employer Statement: AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process you may submit your request by sending an email to PM20