Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Jobs (1)

The RSS Seasonal Research Consultant is responsible for installing and updating the processing code for establishing select DA White Dwarfs as spectrophotometric standards onto the Linux machine UPIC at NOIRLab in order to have the computational mechanism be accessible for future use, and be updated with refinements based on refinements to the knowledge base of DA white dwarf atmospheres.

Essential Functions :

• Install the processing code developed for establishing select DA White Dwarfs as spectrophotometric standards onto the Linux machine UPIC at NOIRLab
• Incorporate newer DA white dwarf atmosphere models and use the code (above) and produce consequent updates for the SEDs of the set of standard DA white dwarfs
• Compare results from these new models to the existing ones, and support publication of the results
• Improve / develop the the interface of the module of the existing code which calculates DAWD photometry through a user specified passband so that it is suitable for future public use

Other Functions :

Other duties as assigned

Required Education / Experience / Skills / Abilities :

• PhD in Astronomy / Physics or a related area
• Experience with computational astronomy / physics and facility with computers and coding as demonstrated through published works or certifications

Preferred Education / Experience / Skills / Abilities :

Experience with photometric methods and spectrophotometry

Physical Demands :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files;

b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.

• Must possess 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job;
• 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses;
• 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid;

and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately

Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.

The position will remain open until filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by April 28, 2023.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the and .

AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research.

In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce.

AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off, health and welfare benefits, and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.

Details on benefits can be found at

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