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Junior/Assistant Specialist - The Radio Astronomy Lab

Job #JPF04729
  • Radio Astronomy Lab / VC Res Organized Rsearch Units / UC Berkeley

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Specialist
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t24-b.pdf . A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100–$68,300.
Percent time: 100
Anticipated start: Spring 2025
Position duration: Initial appointment is a one-year term; reappointment is dependent upon performance, programmatic need, and budget.

Application Window

Open date: January 12, 2025

Next review date: Sunday, Jan 26, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Feb 12, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Radio Astronomy Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a Junior Specialist in radio astronomy instrumentation and data analysis, directed by Professor Aaron Parsons or Dr. David DeBoer. Research in the lab addresses the electromagnetic and radio frequency (RF) system design and analysis, modeling for the design, optimization, use and data analysis of radio telescopes and the resultant data.

The junior specialist will be expected to work collaboratively with a research team to design and model radio frequency systems that meet the specifications to conduct sensitive radio astronomical observations. The candidate will also be assisting with experiment design, data analyses, and the preparation of research for publication. The position may require travel to remote telescopes as well as working in a RF lab with sensitive equipment.

Responsibilities:

  • Will aid in designing and optimizing RF systems appropriate for sensitive radio astronomical observations.
  • Will be assisting with using RF systems and conducting data analysis and the preparation of research for publication
  • Will be working in a team environment to deploy and conduct observations and analyze data.

Division: https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/research-unit/radio-astronomy-laboratory

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree or enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program (or equivalent international program)

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree

Preferred qualifications
  • At least 2 years of coursework in astrophysics or electrical engineering
  • A strong background in programming and software engineering
  • Experience with machine-learning frameworks and parameter optimization
  • Experience with GPU programming frameworks
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize work with demanding time-frames
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperation working with relationships with a multi-diverse campus

Application Requirements

Document requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement on Contributions to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging - Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in research, teaching, and service, including information about your record of activities to date, and plans for contributing if hired at UC Berkeley. More Information and guidelines.

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04729

Help contact: jsharpe@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Please refer to the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

Job location

Berkeley, CA