The Data Analyst II provides advanced scientific data systems support and scientific research program support for NOIRLab. This role contributes to the development operation and enhancement of software and data systems that enable the archiving processing analysis visualization and distribution of astronomical data. The Data Analyst II also works directly with researchers providing technical and data-oriented support for original scientific research projects.
At the Level II this position is expected to work more independently on complex projects contribute insights to project planning and execution and support both internal staff and the external scientific user community.
Essential Functions
Develop deploy operate and document software-based workflows and procedures for astronomical data management processing and analysis
Meet functional technical and scientific requirements according to approved schedules provided by team leads and scientific staff
Investigate evaluate test and compare tools platforms and methodologies for astronomical data science applications
Operate validate and maintain workflows for data processing and ingestion into archives and databases
Create and maintain tutorial scripts example code and interactive notebooks to support scientific use of NOIRLab data sets and services
Respond to and support helpdesk inquiries from the scientific user community related to NOIRLab data products and services
Design develop test and maintain web pages and web-based user interfaces
Collaborate with NOIRLab scientists software engineers external partners and other stakeholders to achieve mission goals
Work directly with researchers to support scientific analysis and project execution
Participate in ongoing training to maintain and expand expertise in data analysis tools programming languages and scientific software
Assist with training and knowledge sharing for other staff including more junior team members
Ensure proper management and control of AURA property within the assigned work area
Maintain compliance with applicable government award terms and conditions as defined in the Vela Award Management system
May provide training and guidance to more junior staff
Requirements
Bachelors degree (or equivalent) in astronomy physics computer science or a related field
23 years of experience supporting astronomical research programs or scientific data systems
A masters degree may be substituted for 12 years of required experience
Demonstrated initiative sound judgment integrity and technical competence
Mastery of the knowledge skills and abilities expected at Level I
Greater depth and breadth of technical and scientific expertise with the ability to apply that expertise to complex projects and data sets
Experience working independently on assignments while contributing effectively within collaborative multidisciplinary teams
Ability to provide input insights and recommendations into project design implementation and process improvement
Proficiency in several of the following areas:
Astronomical data types (e.g. imaging photometry spectroscopy astrometry)
Astronomical data analysis algorithms and scientific software
Data visualization techniques
Statistics and error analysis
Relational and non-relational database systems
Management of large or unstructured data sets
Machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches for scientific data
Programming languages such as Python C/C and/or Java
Computing environments including Linux/UNIX macOS and Windows
Web page and web-based user interface design and maintenance
Analysis and understanding of scientific user and research goals
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to work productively across diverse teams and roles
Advanced verbal written and presentation skills including the ability to communicate scientific or technical concepts clearly
Demonstrated ability to document workflows methods results and conclusions in technical reports or scientific publications
Adaptability and versatility to learn new tools and techniques take on new responsibilities and grow with evolving project needs
The NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization providing services across a range of programs: Gemini Rubin MSO (CTIO and KPNO) and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona Chile and Hawaii. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for our community.
Salary Range: $59000 - $75000 annually. The final salary will depend on skills qualifications and experience.
AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions competitive salary commensurate with experience and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources
Apply by June 1 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.
Required Experience:
IC
The Data Analyst II provides advanced scientific data systems support and scientific research program support for NOIRLab. This role contributes to the development operation and enhancement of software and data systems that enable the archiving processing analysis visualization and distribution of a...
The Data Analyst II provides advanced scientific data systems support and scientific research program support for NOIRLab. This role contributes to the development operation and enhancement of software and data systems that enable the archiving processing analysis visualization and distribution of astronomical data. The Data Analyst II also works directly with researchers providing technical and data-oriented support for original scientific research projects.
At the Level II this position is expected to work more independently on complex projects contribute insights to project planning and execution and support both internal staff and the external scientific user community.
Essential Functions
Develop deploy operate and document software-based workflows and procedures for astronomical data management processing and analysis
Meet functional technical and scientific requirements according to approved schedules provided by team leads and scientific staff
Investigate evaluate test and compare tools platforms and methodologies for astronomical data science applications
Operate validate and maintain workflows for data processing and ingestion into archives and databases
Create and maintain tutorial scripts example code and interactive notebooks to support scientific use of NOIRLab data sets and services
Respond to and support helpdesk inquiries from the scientific user community related to NOIRLab data products and services
Design develop test and maintain web pages and web-based user interfaces
Collaborate with NOIRLab scientists software engineers external partners and other stakeholders to achieve mission goals
Work directly with researchers to support scientific analysis and project execution
Participate in ongoing training to maintain and expand expertise in data analysis tools programming languages and scientific software
Assist with training and knowledge sharing for other staff including more junior team members
Ensure proper management and control of AURA property within the assigned work area
Maintain compliance with applicable government award terms and conditions as defined in the Vela Award Management system
May provide training and guidance to more junior staff
Requirements
Bachelors degree (or equivalent) in astronomy physics computer science or a related field
23 years of experience supporting astronomical research programs or scientific data systems
A masters degree may be substituted for 12 years of required experience
Demonstrated initiative sound judgment integrity and technical competence
Mastery of the knowledge skills and abilities expected at Level I
Greater depth and breadth of technical and scientific expertise with the ability to apply that expertise to complex projects and data sets
Experience working independently on assignments while contributing effectively within collaborative multidisciplinary teams
Ability to provide input insights and recommendations into project design implementation and process improvement
Proficiency in several of the following areas:
Astronomical data types (e.g. imaging photometry spectroscopy astrometry)
Astronomical data analysis algorithms and scientific software
Data visualization techniques
Statistics and error analysis
Relational and non-relational database systems
Management of large or unstructured data sets
Machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches for scientific data
Programming languages such as Python C/C and/or Java
Computing environments including Linux/UNIX macOS and Windows
Web page and web-based user interface design and maintenance
Analysis and understanding of scientific user and research goals
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to work productively across diverse teams and roles
Advanced verbal written and presentation skills including the ability to communicate scientific or technical concepts clearly
Demonstrated ability to document workflows methods results and conclusions in technical reports or scientific publications
Adaptability and versatility to learn new tools and techniques take on new responsibilities and grow with evolving project needs
The NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization providing services across a range of programs: Gemini Rubin MSO (CTIO and KPNO) and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona Chile and Hawaii. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for our community.
Salary Range: $59000 - $75000 annually. The final salary will depend on skills qualifications and experience.
AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions competitive salary commensurate with experience and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources
Apply by June 1 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.
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