Research Scientist II (Visitor Support Scientist)

The Georgia State University Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy operates the CHARA Array at Mount Wilson Observatory in California. The CHARA Array is one of the most powerful optical interferometers in the world, and CHARA scientists are engaged in frontier studies in stellar astrophysics using the Array.

CHARA is seeking to hire a versatile individual to act as the Visitor Support Scientist at the Array. This is part of an NSF funded program to open up the CHARA Array to the broader community, primarily in the U.S. but also worldwide. An important part of this position involves implementing an outreach program designed to educate the U.S. astronomical community in the use of interferometry for milliarcsecond optical and near IR astrophysics as well as provide support for these observations at the CHARA Array. This Research Scientist II job will include the following duties:

• Designing, managing, and implementing a scientific outreach program on interferometry to help promote the scientific use of the CHARA Array, and other interferometers.
• Working with interested scientists to help prepare observations and write proposals for the use of the CHARA Array.
• Helping carry out these observations.
• Helping visiting scientists to reduce these data into a form ready for use in their research programs.
• Helping to develop documentation on the preparation of observations at the CHARA Array and for the reduction of CHARA Array data.
• Involvement in the writing of funding proposals to the NSF, NASA, and other funding agencies.
• Pursue their own research at the CHARA Array. 

Qualifications:

Ph.D. degree in a related field and additional years of experience in a scientific or research organization. The candidate must have an excellent understanding of the techniques of interferometry and the astrophysics made possible by this technique and have a good hands-on knowledge of existing planning and data reduction tools for stellar interferometry. Good communication skills and the ability to present new techniques to scientists are essential.

Preferred Hiring Qualifications: 

• Experience in the use of stellar interferometers.
• Experience with the instruments at the CHARA Array, or at other similar facilities.
• Experience in scientific outreach and education.
• A record of independent research.
• A record of successful scientific proposal writing.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in real-time problem solving.
• Willingness to work night-time hours.

Special Instructions:

To be considered fully for this position, all candidates must provide the following documents related to their skills training, education, and relevance for the position.

• A complete and accurate GSU application
• Resume or CV, including a publication list
• A statement of research interests and their relation to CHARA
• Contact information for at least three references 

Submit your application using this link: https://gsu.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=22000456

For additional information, please contact Dr. Gail Schaefer ([email protected]) or Professor Douglas Gies ([email protected]).