| Kepler Archive Scientist
Position Description:
Kepler is NASA's Discovery mission to find the first Earth-sized, habitable exoplanets. The SETI Institute is seeking an astronomer/scientist to archive Kepler data and results. The successful candidate will be a member of the Kepler Science Office, located at the NASA-Ames Research Center, and will be an integral part of the Kepler Team that shares proprietary ownership of the data and its scientific exploitation. This Support Scientist will assist in the verifying, validating, managing, coordinating, and archiving of the data produced by the Kepler photometer and ground-based follow-up observations. The production of the mission-critical Kepler Results Catalog will be their primary goal.
The successful candidate should have experience managing large volumes of data. Familiarity with optical CCD pixel-level data, high-precision photometry and time-series analysis, light curve modeling and stellar astrophysics are highly desirable. An appreciation for the importance of interface control documents, configuration management, and system engineering is critical.
Tasks include the verification and validation of Kepler pipeline processing, distribution of results to science team members for analysis and ground-based follow-up, and reception of analyses, models, images, spectra, plots, and data from this team. The successful candidate will help prioritize planetary candidates for follow-up observations.
The focus of this work is the production of the Kepler Results Catalog, which will be released periodically until final release in September, 2013. Kepler is a NASA Discovery mission designed to detect and characterize habitable, earth-like planets orbiting sun-like stars. For further information about Kepler, see www.nasa.gov/kepler. The successful candidate will be encouraged to devote 20% of their time to astronomical research of interest to Kepler, actively collaborating with other Science Office and Science Team members, as appropriate.
Education / Requirements:
A Ph.D. or equivalent career experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field is required.
Qualifications/ Required skills:
Excellent oral and written communication skills are important. The ideal candidate is especially attentive to details, pro-active, and available. Initiative to work both independently and as a team player are important to overall success.
Example of Job Tasks
- Evaluate and assess Kepler pipeline data products for correctness and quality
- Administer the distribution of data from the Kepler Science Analysis System to members of the Science Team
- Evaluate and assess ground-based spectra, images, and parameters for correctness and scientific quality
- Oversee the ingestion of data into the Kepler Science Analysis System
- Determine the content and structure of the Kepler Results Catalog
- Prepare and present results at workshops and conferences
Special Requirements:
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with high expectations for managing the unexpected
within a designated timeframe - Willingness to accept major responsibilities and to perform under pressure
- Well-developed interpersonal and diplomacy skills
On-Going Expectations:
- Personal commitment to achieving a high level of performance
The mission of the SETI Institute is to explore, understand and explain
the origin, nature and prevalence of life in the universe. We believe
we are conducting the most profound search in human history – to
discover our beginnings and our place among the stars. The SETI
Institute is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific
research, education, and public outreach. Founded in 1984, the
Institute today employs over 140 scientists, educators and support
staff. The SETI Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
For consideration, apply online:
Open until filled.
Important Fax Applicants:
Fax to: 650-961-7099
(Attention Human Resources)
To apply by mail, send your CV and cover letter to:
SETI Institute
Attention: Human Resources
515 N. Whisman Road
Mountain View, CA 94043
Open until filled.
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