Job Category: NSF PHD Scientist

Job Apply Link

General Description of Position:
We invite applications for a postdoctoral position funded by NASA-LWS grant. It is a fixed-term full-time position for 15 months, with a focus on the application of Machine Learning (ML) tools. Review of applications will begin on March 31st 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

The successful candidate will work on several available data sets, e.g., Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) and Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO), which will be used to develop a ML-based discriminator for detecting the active regions on the Sun’s far hemisphere. They will directly work with Dr. Kiran Jain (NSO; kjain@nso.edu) and Dr. Charles Lindsey (NWRA).

Essential Functions:

• Design and train ML-based parameterized algorithm/model that will be applied to recognize the signatures of active regions on the helioseismic farside maps.
• Formulate an analogous system for the validation of algorithms for application to the helioseismic maps, based upon the agreement of its identifications and characterizations derived from farside EUV maps and frontside magnetograms.
• Compare model output with other existing data bases and quantify the success rate.
• Integrate the algorithm into the existing GONG farside pipeline for improved near-real-time forecasts.
• Write professional papers on results of research.
• Attend conferences to present recent results of research.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system, https://cas.aura-astronomy.org/Awards.
• All AURA employees are expected to comply with the Standards of Workplace Conduct Policy. AURA is dedicated to fostering a civil and inclusive community characterized by mutual respect for the contributions of all individuals. All AURA employees are expected to take appropriate measures to ensure that their conduct reflects AURA’s values of civility, respect and inclusiveness and that prohibited conduct does not occur.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• PhD. in physics or mathematics (PhD candidates may apply but must submit evidence of PhD completion upon hire).
• At least one (1) first-authored, peer-reviewed article in accredited scientific journals.
• Experience in dealing with the large/science databases.
• Proficiency in scientific programming with Python and/or Interactive Data Language (IDL) and C and/or Fortran with their applications to developing machine learning tools.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate with colleagues.
• Ability to analyze solar imaging data is an added advantage.

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 eyeglasses; 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.

DEADLINE: March 31st 2022 or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled.

START DATE: July 1, 2022

DOCUMENTS TO SUBMIT:

1. Resume/CV (no page limit),
2. Cover Letter (a one-page description why you are applying for this position),
3. Research statement (two pages limit, description of your experience with the tools and methods of artificial intelligence and how would you apply your experience to this project),
4. Letter of recommendation (one letter is enough; please include two references to contact if needed).

COVID-19 Policy Update: AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated, unless qualified for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons. All new employees will be required to comply with this policy and will be required to present proof of full vaccination or submit a completed request (including supporting documents, if applicable) for an exemption at least five (5) business days prior to their start of employment. Individuals who fail to meet this deadline may have their employment start date delayed.

This is a requirement for all employees working onsite or from home (telework or hybrid remote work schedule). Currently the vaccination requirement does not apply to any future AURA employees working in Chile, regardless of their nationality or type of contract.

The starting salary for this position is $61,500.00.

Qualified internal candidates will be given preference. AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our record keeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)