USRA is accepting applications for the Instrument Scientist positon for the facility instrument FLITECAM. As a secondary role, the FLITECAM Instrument Scientist is also expected to provide support to the FORCAST instrument. FLITECAM is near IR (1-5 micron) camera with GRISM capabilities and FORCAST is a dual channel mid-IR (5-40 micron) camera.  Initially, the successful applicants will assist with characterization, calibration and preparation of user documentation for the instruments and the preparation for integrating the instruments on the observatory for the first science flights. During operations the Instrument Scientist is expected to operate the instrument, monitor its performance and provide user support to the community.  The successful candidate should have a strong interest in SOFIA and be actively pursuing research that will benefit from SOFIA observations. The Instrument Scientist will have 20 - 50% time available for personal research depending on project schedules and qualifications. The candidates will have an office at NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA.  The Instrument Scientist is expected to spend significant time with the instrument team (at UCLA or Cornell) before delivery of the instrument and at the Palmdale SOFIA Operations Center site during integration and operations.

Qualifications and Experience required for this position:

• PhD in Astronomy, Physics, or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in astronomical research and in development of commissioning of near infrared or mid infrared science instruments for astronomical observations. 

To apply:

E-mail your Resume or CV to: isposition@sofia.usra.edu with salary requirements, list of publications, and a description of your research interest in Word or PDF with your last name and job number (S0805) as the document title. Please specify in your cover letter names and contact information of three (3) references and if you will require an employer sponsored Visa.

Visit: http://www.sofia.usra.edu  Look under the employment link for a detailed job description of this position as well as other positions we are  hiring for. 

WHO WE ARE:

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is dedicated to advancing space sciences and exploration through innovation research, technology, and educational programs.

SOFIA Program:

The Stratospheric Obesrvatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a premier observatory for infrared and sub-millimeter astronomy.  A 747-SP aircraft will carry a 2.5-meter telescope designed to make sensitive infrared measurements on a variety of astronomical objects.  It will fly at an altitude up to 45,000 feet. First flight is expected in early 2009 and regular observing is expected to begin in 2010.  SOFIA is ajoint projet between NASA and German Aerospace Center. DLR.  USRA will operate the SOFIA Science Center at NASA's Ames Reseach Center for NASA. The aircraft observatory will be based at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale.