Research Assistant

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Job Summary

We are seeking a Post Baccalaureate Research Assistant to work on instrument and data calibration for the DSA test array at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. The position involves hands-on work with a world-class instrument and its data; characterizing and fine-tuning receiver settings, solving for baseline and antenna-position errors, and measuring and improving the pointing accuracy of the telescopes. The position is well suited to someone early in their research career, for example, a recent graduate considering a PhD, or a student seeking research experience. You will receive mentorship from project scientists and engineers, contribute directly to the observatory’s scientific output, and have opportunities to co-author technical notes and publications.

Essential Job Duties

• Calibrate DSA observational data: derive and apply gain, bandpass, and delay solutions; solve for and correct errors in baselines and antenna positions.
• Improve instrument performance: characterize receiver behavior and fine-tune receiver settings to optimize sensitivity and stability.
• Improve telescope pointing: plan and conduct pointing measurements, analyze the results, and derive updated pointing models.
• Develop and maintain calibration software: write and extend Python analysis tools and pipeline components; keep code under version control and documented.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field (completed or expected by the start date). 
• Proficiency in Python for scientific data analysis (e.g., NumPy/SciPy, working with large datasets). 
• Some hands-on research experience — through coursework projects, a senior thesis, an internship (e.g., REU), or prior employment. 
• Clear oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work on-site at OVRO in Big Pine, CA, including occasional outdoor work at the antennas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in radio astronomy, interferometry, or signal processing. 
• Familiarity with radio-astronomy software such as CASA, or with calibration concepts. 
• Experience working in a Linux environment and with version control (git). 
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, RF/electronics test equipment, or antenna measurements. 
• Experience with radio-frequency interference (RFI) identification and mitigation. 

Required Documents

• Resume.
• Cover letter.