Job Title

Job No.

Center

Location

Date Posted

WIYN/ODI Data Pipeline Scientist          UPDATED

936

NOAO

Tucson

10/07/2009

The WIYN Observatory is looking for a scientist to lead the design, implementation, commissioning, and subsequent support of the data reduction pipeline for a new technology wide-field optical imager currently developed for the WIYN 3.5-m telescope on Kitt Peak. The One Degree Imager (ODI) will be a state-of-the-art imaging camera using orthogonal transfer CCD detectors (OTAs) arranged in a 32K x 32K array. These detectors provide electronic tip/tilt correction to improve the image quality across the full 1-degree field of view at WIYN. The current R-band median delivered image quality of 0.7" (FWHM) will be improved to 0.55" and the entire array can be read out in less than 10 seconds. ODI will provide a unique and transformational imaging capability to the world astronomical community by making optimal use of the WIYN telescope’s superb optics, excellent site, and one degree field of view.  Integration of the camera is planned for completion in 2010 with scientific commissioning beginning in October 2010. For more information about WIYN and ODI, please see http://www.wiyn.org/ODI

The WIYN ODI Data Pipeline Scientist’s main responsibility is to lead the scientific design, development and subsequent operations of the data reduction pipeline for ODI. The current conceptual model for the pipeline includes the scientific leadership coming from WIYN Observatory while the technical resources (e.g. computers and storage) and manpower are provided by Indiana University (IU) through their University Information Technology Services (UITS). The pipeline scientist’s duties include: 1) Leading the scientific design of the data reduction pipeline, in collaboration with IU and the ODI Team, and verify implementation; 2) Establishing general data reduction procedures for removing ODI instrumental signatures;  3) Leading the commissioning phase of the data pipeline; 4) Defining a detailed calibration plan as part of the ODI Team in order to fully exploit the scientific capabilities of ODI; 5) Supporting the development of further data pipeline analysis steps and tools; 6) Supporting the ODI users in their data analysis and providing documentation. The science requirements for the pipeline are detailed in http://www.wiyn.org/ODI/technical/PASDR_V1_5.pdf

We are looking for applicants having experience in the development, testing and implementation of data reduction pipeline for astronomical instrumentation. Experience with reduction and analysis of scientific data from large astronomical mosaic cameras is preferable. Strong communication skills and experience working with software programmers and information technology personnel is mandatory. A Ph.D. in astronomy or physics is preferred.

The ODI Data Pipeline Scientist will have up to 20% of his/her time to conduct scientific research.  This position is based at the WIYN offices located at NOAO in Tucson, AZ near the University of Arizona campus, but requires frequent travel to Kitt Peak Mountain, 56 miles southwest of Tucson, AZ, and possibly extended visits to Indiana University in Bloomington (IN). Inquiries about this position may be directed to Pierre Martin (pmartin@wiyn.org, 520-318-8484).  Please send a resume, bibliography, and the names of three references. The position is for an initial period of one year, with renewal for additional years being subject to funding. We will accept applications until the position is filled. A starting date as early as possible in the Fall 2009 is highly preferable. WIYN Observatory employees are AURA employees working for the WIYN Observatory. 

When applying for this position please refer to the job title and job number. Electronic submission preferred The application process will be handled by NOAO/AURA Human Resources Office.

Send resume to:

Human Resources Office
National Optical Astronomy Observatory
P.O. Box 26732
Tucson, Arizona 85726-6732
Email: hrnoao@noao.edu
FAX: 520-318-8494

NOAO and NSO are affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employers. Preference granted to qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'Odham Reservation.

NOAO actively support efforts to broaden participation in all Observatory activities. Women and candidates from under represented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.