Space Geodesist Research Associate
Description
Job Posting Title
Space Geodesist Research Associate
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Hiring Department
Applied Research Laboratories
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Position Open To
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours
40
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FLSA Status
Exempt from FLSA
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Earliest Start Date
Immediately
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Position Duration
Expected to Continue
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Location
PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS
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Job Details
Purpose
Applied Research Laboratories is a University Affiliated Research Center at The University of Texas at Austin, located on the Pickle Research Campus in North Austin. Through fundamental research, innovative science, and applied engineering, ARL:UT makes significant contributions in support of national security.
Within ARL:UT, the Space and Geophysics Laboratory (SGL) engages in research in electromagnetic propagation, geo-positioning, and remote sensing. The lab monitors the long-term performance of GPS, addresses the specification of government geodetic-quality GPS receivers, and designs and executes government tests for industry-produced receivers.
We are seeking a Research Associate to provide precision survey and geodesy expertise and scientific rigor across a portfolio of technologies germane to interests of SGL listed above in order to effect improvements to these interests and advance the state-of-the-art in these areas.
Responsibilities
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Perform high-level independent precision survey and geodesy research relevant to the interests of SGL.
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Present and publish your research, both internally and externally. This may involve participating in project reviews and technical interface meetings to present designs and test results to sponsors and other external organizations, as well as publishing work in scientific journals and presenting work at conferences.
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Contribute to the first principles problem formulations, algorithm development, systems designs, software implementations, and collection methods for specialized geodetic survey applications, drawing on expertise in fields such as physics, gravimetry, astronomy, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), terrestrial survey instrumentation, and estimation theory.
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Accrue and apply knowledge of global reference frame determination, multi-space geodetic techniques, metrology, geophysical phenomena, orbit determination, GNSS signals, and statistical estimation to address a range of specialized geodetic applications. Design experiments and corresponding analyses to gauge systems' performance, and develop recommendations to effect improvements.
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Implement software algorithms in C++ and Python in a collaborative environment. Work closely with team members to define interfaces between program components. Document implementations thoroughly and clearly. Define, implement, and execute test cases for program functions.
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Further develop knowledge of geodesy, geodetic survey principles, astronomy, estimation theory, C++ and Python, and software development principles.
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Provide guidance and assistance to other full time employees and student employees.
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Provide technical leadership and identify new directions for research.
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Other related functions as assigned and occasional travel to support meetings.
Required Qualifications
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PhD in geodesy, geophysics, aerospace engineering, physics, earth science, or related field.
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Experience developing software in C++ or Python for scientific applications.
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One or more years experience developing methods of geodetic data collection and/or data reduction processes.
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Demonstrated record of authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications.
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Demonstrated record of presenting scientific content to technical and non-technical audiences.
Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time. The position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving skills and excellent judgment. Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with various groups of clients. Able to work under pressure and accept supervision. Regular and punctual attendance.
US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience developing global reference frames.
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Experience with multi-space geodetic techniques including satellite laser ranging and very long baseline interferometry.
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Experience using terrestrial survey instrumentation.
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Experience employing metrological tools and techniques for precise spatial measurements.
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Experience employing star catalogs and celestial reference frames.
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Experience modeling or employing models of geophysical phenomena.
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Experience estimating orbits of spacecraft and satellites.
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Experience using GNSS hardware and techniques for precise geo-positioning.
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Experience processing GNSS carrier phase signals.
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Demonstrated experience with analysis and interpretation of results of processing digital receiver data.
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Experience with any of the following: software-defined radio, multi-rate signal processing, HF radio, remote sensing, radar, wireless communications, RF signal processing, radio astronomy/interferometry, ionosphere, geodesy, reference frames, orbital mechanics, and digital design.
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Experience designing, implementing, and deploying robust scientific software.
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Experience employing statistical estimation techniques.
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Experience in writing proposals for and leading externally-funded research projects.
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Experience with high-performance computing.
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Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, C/C++, FORTRAN, or similar.
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Experience developing on Linux and Windows platforms, including terminal-based environments (bash), version control (Git and GitHub/GitLab), and cloud services (such as AWS).
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Proficiency with LaTeX.
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Eligibility for immediate access to classified information.
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Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
General Notes
An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.
Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.
Visit our website ( www.arlut.utexas.edu ) for additional information about Applied Research Laboratories.
UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
- Retirement contributions
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Paid holidays
Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.
Salary Range
$120,000-$165,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications.
Working Conditions
- Standard office conditions
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- Use of manual dexterity
- Some weekend, evening and holiday work
- Possible interstate/intrastate travel
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
- Unofficial college transcripts