University of Massachusetts Amherst Hiring for Technical Assistant II (LMT Data Analyst) at UMass Amherst Full Time

Job no: 517907
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Astronomy
Union: USA/MTA
Categories: Technical, College of Natural Sciences, USA/MTA

About UMass Amherst 

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth’s flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region. 

Job Summary 

The Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT) Data Analyst will provide scientific support to users of the Large Millimeter Telescope. This support will be in two principal areas: (1) operation of the LMT data reduction software pipelines to assist users in the preparation of science data products; and (2) provision of “help desk” services to telescope users. The Data Analyst will field user questions and direct them to the appropriate LMT staff members and participate in the preparation of user documentation and its dissemination on the LMT web pages.    

Essential Functions 

• Provide assistance to observatory users by reducing data and assessing data quality, operating a data reduction pipeline, and testing LMT software and data products. 
• Ensure appropriate and timely responses to user queries to the LMT help desk by responding to queries, forwarding to another expert when needed, following up on open queries, etc. 
• Assist scientists in preparation of proposals, observing scripts, data reduction, data analysis, and archive access. 
• Maintain a working knowledge of all relevant user software for LMT instruments including those used for proposal submission, observational preparation, and post-processing data reduction. Assist scientific staff with testing of software and procedures as requested.
• Assist in the generation and editing of help desk knowledge base articles.  
• Maintain relevant web page content and other documentation to ensure information for users stays current. 

Other Functions 

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences (CNS). 
• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness. 
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities. 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, or related field. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly.  
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills.  
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively, and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population. 
• Ability to use computers with Linux operating systems. 
• Experience with operational and technical support, such as leading or assisting with astronomical or physics research, or writing or modifying computer software, either professionally or as part of a class. 

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience working with astronomical data products and/or operating radio telescopes. 
• Experience with Python and/or C++. 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions 

Typical office environment. 

Additional Details 

This is a one-year position from July 15, 2023 – July 14, 2024. Continuation of the position is contingent upon the availability of funding.

Work Schedule 

• Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. 
• This position requires on-call hours. 

Salary Information 

Grade 13

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Applicants must complete online application, submit a resume, cover letter, and provide names and contact information for three (3) professional references to ensure consideration.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion) 

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Jul 31 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: