VLBI Astronomer

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is seeking a recent Ph.D. scientist for a position in VLBI astronomy to support our customers at the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) in Washington, D.C.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The successful candidate will support the Radio Optical Reference Frame Division in providing measurements of the celestial reference frame and the Earth orientation parameters to the USNO and its customers. The candidate will support efforts in collaboration with NRAO to improve geodetic data and analysis using current or future facilities. Work done by the candidate will include analysis of VLBI visibilities, calibration of atmospheric path-delays, frequency dependent systematic errors, and the optimization and analysis of network geometry. Travel to Socorro, NM is expected, and additional travel to conferences may be required.

ABOUT THE USNO

The USNO is responsible for the production and dissemination of precise time, astrometry, and Earth orientation parameters for the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community. As the DoD Celestial Reference Frame manager, USNO collects, manages, validates and disseminates celestial data, and is the authoritative source for all celestial data for the DoD. To support this mission, USNO deploys and operates astronomical telescopes at multiple locations around the world. Its analytic products support Navy, DoD and other U.S. Government needs, such as those of NASA, NOAA and other agencies, as well as the needs of non-U.S. Government users world-wide. The USNO plays an important role in the world scientific community for research on stellar dynamics, active galactic nuclei, celestial reference frames and geodesy.

ABOUT CPI

At CPI we study the physical properties of the Earth and its atmosphere as well as our neighboring planets and the sun. We perform both basic and applied research, including translating our findings into hardware and software products. CPI has served U.S. Government agencies, universities, international science organizations and satellite prime contractors, as well as commercial customers, since 1984. As an employee-owned company, we pride ourselves on our long history and stability, our ability to solve complex scientific and technical challenges, our commitment to quality and integrity and to our customers, and our positive, employee-oriented corporate culture. CPI has been an important contractor at the USNO since 2008.

QUALIFICATIONS - Required

• PhD in astronomy or physics with an emphasis on VLBI and radio astronomy, or postdoctoral work with this experience.
• Experience with the Common Astronomy Software Applications package (CASA).
• Experience with the Astronomical Image Processing System (AIPS).
• Proficiency with Python programming and standard software development practices, such as source control, are highly desirable.
• A peer-reviewed publication record commensurate with a recent PhD or postdoctoral fellow
• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET level security clearance; an active clearance is not required to begin work.

QUALIFICATIONS - Additional Desirable

• Expertise in Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is highly desirable.
• Experience using the VLBA or VLBA-derived data is highly desirable.
• Experience modeling or carrying out observations, data analysis, or experimental design in the context of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) is highly desirable.

LOCATION, TRAVEL, TELEWORK

The position is located on-site at the USNO in Washington, D.C. Travel to Socorro, NM is expected and additional travel to conferences may be required. Partial telework may be authorized. A clearance is not required before the start of employment but a process for obtaining a SECRET clearance will be started at the beginning of employment. The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 - $105,000 per annum, though there may be deviations from that range for exceptional candidates.

BENEFITS:

• 401(k), Profit Sharing and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Disability insurance (short-term and long-term)
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental Leave
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement

CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. https://www.cpi.com/index.html#contact