Job Title

Job No.

Center

Location

Date Posted

Scientist – Data Center Implementation

1051

NSO

Sunspot, New Mexico

12/03/2010

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) through the National Solar Observatory (NSO) has a Science Track opening for a staff scientist who will lead the development of the NSO Data Center. The level of appointment is flexible (assistant, associate, full, or senior scientist) and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. He/she will be responsible for establishing requirements for, developing implementation strategies, and overseeing the operation of the NSO Data Center. Initially the position will concentrate on developing the needs and model for the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) data management. This includes development of data handling strategies that serve the ATST, working with community to establish access paths to ATST data, surveying community data reduction algorithms and facilitating their implementation at the NSO Data Center. The successful candidate with also develop a conceptual design for the NSO Data Center that combines both ATST and NSO synoptic data programs, perform design reviews, propose an implementation strategy, and lead the implementation effort. The position is located in Sunspot, NM.

NSO is developing plans to establish a new NSO directorate location that combines its Sunspot and Tucson staffs.  Part of this effort is the requirement to develop a data center capable of handling all NSO data and distributing it to the community.

Other aspects of the job include specifying the hardware and FTEs needed to adequately create and maintain the NSO Data Center, creating and maintaining an inventory of the NSO instruments and their data products, performing design reviews, estimating the financial requirements to augment existing NSO data center resources to create the NSO Data Center, working with the NSO Director to identify adequate funding sources to satisfy the financial requirements, overseeing the development of the software algorithms and pipeline systems, and once the NSO Data Center is operational, overseeing its daily operations. The position requires the ability to interact with the NSO staff and the solar physics research community for timely reviews and recommendations

Operation of instruments at the Dunn Solar Telescope is providing a platform for investigation operation strategies for the ATST and will serve as a model for the ATST data center needs. NSO is also working to combine all its synoptic data processing into a single synoptic data center in Tucson. The incumbent for this position will work closely with other NSO/ATST and NSO/Synoptic scientists located in both Sunspot and Tucson in developing a NSO Data Center structure.

The NSO operates forefront facilities for ground-based observational research by the scientific community on Kitt Peak, Arizona, Sacramento Peak, New Mexico, and at six GONG sites around the world. NSO has a leadership role in the design, proposed construction and operation of the next-generation, 4-m class Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST).

The position requires a PHD in physics, astronomy or equivalent experience, experience with large data systems and data center concepts, experience with obtaining and processing solar data from a variety of telescope facilities, and the incumbent must be able to work well with solar community.

Application will be reviewed beginning February 15, 2011; however we accept applications until the position has been filled.

To apply, send a letter of application and resume via email to rhunter@nso.edu, or mail to the address below. Please reference above job title and number.

Send resume to:

Rex Hunter
National Solar Observatory
P.O. Box 62
Sunspot, NM 88349

NOAO and NSO are affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employers.
NOAO actively support efforts to broaden participation in all Observatory activities. Women and candidates from underrepresented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.