Research Associate

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a 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.

At the NRAO, we are seeking a research associate to work on exploring the physics of the Warm Ionized Medium (WIM) in the Galaxy. Observations consist of data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Green Bank Telescope (GBT).

The appointment will be for one year with a starting date of September 8, 2025.

Available work location for this position will be at the NRAO Headquarters in Charlottesville, VA. A domestic remote work arrangement may be possible depending on the incumbent's work performance in a work-from-home situation.

What You Will be Doing:

• Calibrating and reducing JWST MIRI MRS data toward the inner Galaxy.
• Investigating background models to accurately measure the spectral line properties of Ne, Ar, and S ions.
• Developing Cloudy simulations, constrained by JWST and GBT data, to explore the physics of the WIM.

Work Environment

Work 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, physics, or a related field or expect to have earned a PhD by the starting date of the appointment.
• Previous experience with JWST data and/or infrared spectroscopy is preferred.
• While not required, you may have knowledge or experience with the spectral synthesis code Cloudy.

Competency Summary

• Experience with infrared spectroscopy.
• Attention to detail is critical.
• Highly organized.
• Excellent communication skills.

Total Rewards:

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.

The starting salary range of this position is between $51,847 - $66,000 annually. 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:

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,). 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:

Select the "Apply Now" button. You will need to be prepared to upload the following as a single PDF document:

1. Cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position. (maximum 2 pages).
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Description of research accomplishments and future research plans (maximum 3 pages)

Applicants should also arrange for three letters of reference (max 2 pages) to be sent to tdillon@nrao.edu. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the letters of reference have been sent by their referees. If you have questions about the position, feel free to contact Dana Balser <dbalser@nrao.edu>.

Review of applications will begin immediately.

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 due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu.

PM20

PI272383568