Rsch Pro 1-Astrphys/Cosmology (Kelly Research Group)

The successful applicant will contribute to development of software to operate the TURBO telescopes and telescope enclosures automatically, and process the data in real time to identify transient candidates. Responsibilities include optimization of the pipeline to analyze imaging as quickly as possible, and to organize data.

JOB INFORMATION

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:
Analysis of data from the Total-Coverage Ultra-Fast Response to Binary Mergers Observatory (or TURBO). TURBO will consist of large-format CMOS detectors mounted on twelves 0.20-meter diameter optical telescopes both at Magdalena Ridge Observatory near Soccoro, NM and at Skinakas Observatory in Crete, Greece. Within two seconds of a trigger alert, TURBO will begin obtaining continuous, multi-band images of more than 150 square degrees. A prototype telescope in St. Paul, Minnesota has been implemented that can acquire images within two seconds of an alert. Counterparts to gravitational-wave detections of mergers will multiply the information available from just the gravitational waves alone by revealing the mergers' distances, environments, and nucleosynthetic products. Given its unique sensitivity to prompt emission, TURBO may detect novel types of counterparts, yielding potential insights, for example, into the poorly understood observed population of binary black-hole mergers. When not responding to gravitational-wave mergers, TURBO will obtain observations of supernovae in nearby galaxies at the time of explosion (4-6 events each year), which can be expected to provide new understanding of their stellar progenitor populations and explosion mechanisms.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The principal duty will be to develop software both to enable automatic operation of the TURBO survey and to process the data acquired by the telescopes at both sites as quickly as possible.

JOB DUTIES:

70% Software development of data-processing pipeline and survey automation code

10% Communication with team members, including principal investigator

10% Troubleshooting problems with telescope and telescope enclosure operation

10% Analysis of data and preparation of discoveries and analysis for publication

Other duties of a similar scope as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
B.S./B.A. degree, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Computer Science or Astrophysics undergraduate degree, experience working programming interfaces, electronics, databases, and team projects.

School of Physics and Astronomy: https://cse.umn.edu/physics

Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.48 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Provide a cover letter, resume and a list of references with contact information.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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