Positions Available

Employment Opportunities at MIT Haystack Observatory

SOFTWARE ENGINEER POSITION

Radio Science/Radar

Posted 01 October 2009

A Software Developer is needed to participate in the design and implementation of radar control, scientific data management, and signal processing software for radio science instrumentation. The candidate should have excellent team programming skills and demonstrated flexibility in the types of software development tasks undertaken. This should include experience in instrument control systems, radar signal processing, distributed grid computing, and web based user interfaces. Knowledge of Python and 'C' as primary program languages in a Linux environment is required. Experience in a team programing environment is required as are good oral and written communications skills. Experience in open source development efforts and in use of revision control systems is desirable. A strong scientific background, interest in radio science or space physics, and a willingness to focus such interests into the development of software systems are also desired.

An MS or a Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science is necessary. At the MS level, 3 to 5 years of experience developing software in a scientific research and development environment is required. This position requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

Applications consisting of a CV, letter of interest and the names of three references should be sent to software@haystack.mit.edu.

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION

Postdoctoral Associate (Astronomy)

Posted 10 July 2009

Haystack Observatory (http://www.haystack.mit.edu) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in radio astronomy, with emphasis on advanced wideband and high-frequency techniques/science.

The successful applicant will play a major role in the Observatory's wideband VLBI program. Haystack develops, commissions and deploys state of the art wideband VLBI instrumentation to significantly increase VLBI array sensitivity. The resulting combination of high angular resolution and sensitivity is enabling unique approaches to a number of science areas, with a focus on imaging the Event Horizon of SgrA*, the super-massive Black Hole candidate at the Galactic Center. An important part of this program is the extension of VLBI techniques to the sub-mm bands to include ALMA and other new facilities. This research involves using non-standard VLBI arrays that observe at frequencies of 230GHz and higher. Current work includes analysis of 230GHz VLBI data, simulation of future high frequency VLBI arrays, developing emission models for mm/submm emission near the black hole event horizon, development of burst-mode VLBI recording, and hands-on VLBI observing campaigns at 230GHz or higher.

Independent research is encouraged, as are interactions with radio astronomy groups on the MIT campus and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge. Applicants with experience in interferometry, software development and instrumentation are encouraged to apply.

Appointments will initially be for two years, with possible extension to a third year.

Applications consisting of CV, research statement and the names of three references should be sent to job@haystack.mit.edu.

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