Computational Physics, Inc. seeks a recent Ph.D. scientist for a position in optical astronomy to support our customers at the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.

ABOUT THE Position

The successful candidate conduct research using online photometry archives such as Gaia, ZTF, and WISE to understand the multi-wavelength morphological characteristics of active galactic nuclei and quasars, especially blazars. There will be a focus on the time domain and variability. He/she will also pursue photometric monitoring campaigns using both USNO and non-USNO telescopes. There will be opportunities for publication.

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 for use in navigation. 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 double stars, AGNs, 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

• Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, engineering, or related field.
• Proficiency in Python, including demonstrated skill with object-oriented programming.
• Experience applying statistical methods to data, such as non-parametric tests, maximum

likelihood estimators, or Bayesian methods.

• Experience with photometric data reduction and calibration.
• Experience using archival space-based photometry.
• A publication record appropriate for a recent Ph.D.
• U.S. citizenship is required for this position.

Qualifications - Additional Desired

• Experience with synthetic photometry and spectral energy distribution fitting/decomposition.
• Experience with spectral data analysis and fitting.
• Experience with the engineering or characterization of CCD or CMOS/sCMOS detectors.
• Experience using SQL, ADQL, or TAP queries to mine databases.
• Research background in active galactic nuclei.

Location, Telework, Benefits

The position is located at the USNO in Washington, D.C. A small amount of travel may be required. Telework may be authorized. CPI offers an excellent package of benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, annual leave, sick leave, Federal holidays, tuition assistance and others. Our health insurance, annual leave and retirement benefits exceed the industry standard.

TO APPLY

Please send your resume as indicated. A cover letter is optional. The position is open now.

CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an employee-owned company

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Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Please confirm that you are a U.S. citizen. (Under our contract from the Navy, employees assigned to the USNO must be U.S. citizens. We are not able to consider "green card" holders for this Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20392

Job Description: Aerodyne Industries is a dynamic, rapidly growing engineering and information technology services firm headquartered on Florida's exciting Space Coast. With locations throughout the US, we take pride in delivering small business agility with large corporation capabilities. Our list of clients count on us to prepare NASA's Mission to the Moon and Mars and defend our nation supporting the Missile Defense Agency and Department of Defense. Join the adventure of a lifetime by becoming a teammate with Aerodyne Industries and work on projects that will define our future. *Overview: * As an Astronomer, the candidate will assist the Meteoroid Environment Office (MEO), located within the MSFC Natural Environments Branch/EV44, in defining the meteoroid environment as it pertains to spacecraft design and risk. The candidate will carry out fundamental/original research in the meteor/meteoroid discipline, develop software and tools to analyze meteor-related data, conduct any required astronomical observations, and respond with quick-turnaround analyses of bright meteor events ( skyfalls ) occurring over the United States. *Duties will include the following: * * Developing, and assisting in the development of, models and simulations pertaining to the meteoroid environment, including meteoroid structure/properties and the Solar System small bodies associated with meteoroids. * Analyzing observational data collected from telescopes, cameras, radiometers or other instrumentation. * Conducting observations of meteors and their parent bodies; monitoring the Moon for flashes caused by meteoroid impacts. * Presenting results to the NASA customer and at conferences. * Publishing results in the appropriate journals. * Delivering quick-turnaround of skyfall events to the MEO customer. *Job Requirements: ** Qualifications: * Must have received a Doctorate degree in Astronomy, Physics, or similar field from an accredited institution, along with having at least five years' experience in said fields. *The successful candidate **MUST**: * * Have at least 2 first author publications in a peer-reviewed journal. * Have extensive experience coding in *Python* and be familiar with software tools such as Git. * Have a good knowledge of statistics. * Have some experience in operating telescopes or observational astronomy coursework. * Have strong customer relations skills. * Have the ability to multi-task and transition between quick turnaround assignments. * Show initiative and be proactive to make connections and build relationships with key players on the tasks. * Demonstrate strong technical writing and presentation skills in order to present data to internal and external customers. * Demonstrate the capability to plan and perform analyses independently and within a team. * Research experience in *Solar System* small bodies is highly desired. *Essential functions: * Telework, transitioning to an office environment at MSFC once COVID protocols are lifted. This is a support position at MSFC in Huntsville, Alabama. The applicant should expect remote/on site work to be dictated by assigned tasks, and is expected to live in or near Huntsville, Alabama. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires sitting for extended periods in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (70%), and sitting at an observatory to conduct overnight astronomical observations (5%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and Jacobs facilities (10%). Potential exists to travel to other US government facilities and to conferences (5%). *Other Essential Functions: * The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others. Job Type: Full-time

*Job Title: Astronomer Engineer* *Location: Boston, MA * *Full time/Permanent * Relevant Experience

• Scientific data processing, pipelines, and workflows
• Use of astronomical archives for research
• Astronomical imaging and/or spectroscopic data
• Relational databases (SQL)
• Software and programming languages such as Python, MS SQL Server, or other technologies
• Familiarity with Linux operating system
• Experience with the following is helpful but not required:
• Familiarity with large data sets and associated analysis methods
• Cloud computing on platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Working with teams in an agile/scrum environment.
• Data science methods such as machine learning
• Astronomical instrumentation and observational techniques
• System configuration management (DevOps) Skills
• Scientific data processing, pipelines, and workflows
• Use of astronomical archives for research
• Astronomical imaging and/or spectroscopic data
• Relational databases (SQL)
• Software and programming languages such as Python, MS SQL Server, or other technologies Job Type: Full-time Salary: $130.00 - $145.00 per year Schedule: * Monday to Friday Work Remotely: * Temporarily due to COVID-19