Data Scientist
AURA · La Serena, Region de Coquimbo, Chile ·
- Employment
- Full time
- Category
- Data science
OPCC’s primary objective is to promote the protection of the dark skies of northern Chile for astronomical research and to provide technical support for the implementation of light pollution regulations.
The Data Scientist will lead sky brightness monitoring campaigns at professional observatories and other strategic locations. The position will be responsible for reducing, processing, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data to generate meaningful insights. The role will also develop light pollution models and simulate future scenarios to assess the effects of light pollution and different levels of regulatory compliance.
This position plays a key role in transforming scientific data into knowledge and strategies that quantify the impact of light pollution across the Atacama, Coquimbo, and Antofagasta regions. The selected candidate will report to the OPCC Director.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Data Management and Analysis
- Design and implement a robust system for processing, organizing, systematizing, and storing scientific data and images.
- Manage the complete scientific data lifecycle, including data acquisition, cleaning, processing, statistical analysis, validation, and documentation.
- Perform statistical and geospatial analyses to interpret results and identify relevant patterns and trends.
- Transform scientific data into meaningful insights that support OPCC’s objectives and decision-making processes.
- Ensure the quality, consistency, accessibility, and traceability of scientific information.
Sky Brightness Monitoring
- Lead and provide technical support for sky brightness measurement campaigns conducted at professional observatories and other strategic locations.
- Coordinate the collection, reduction, processing, and interpretation of data obtained during monitoring campaigns.
- Support the selection and evaluation of monitoring locations based on scientific and operational needs.
- Analyze variables associated with light pollution and its impact on astronomical observations and the environment.
- Maintain appropriate technical records and documentation for monitoring activities.
Light Pollution Modeling
- Conduct critical analyses of existing atmospheric light propagation models, identifying their strengths, limitations, and potential applications.
- Develop models representing current light pollution conditions in regions of interest.
- Simulate and evaluate future scenarios based on different levels of compliance with light pollution regulations.
- Model the potential impact of new investment and development projects located near astronomical observatories.
- Compare modeling results with observational data to evaluate and improve model performance.
Data Visualization and Reporting
- Create, maintain, and improve interactive dashboards to visualize key indicators and support informed decision-making.
- Prepare periodic technical reports that clearly communicate activities, methodologies, findings, and results.
- Develop presentations and visual materials for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Translate complex scientific findings into clear, concise, and accessible information.
- Maintain updated records of analyses, models, monitoring campaigns, and results.
Training, Education, and Collaboration
- Develop and deliver training sessions for relevant stakeholders on light pollution and dark-sky protection.
- Support education, public outreach, and awareness activities.
- Collaborate actively on OPCC initiatives, studies, and projects.
- Coordinate with observatories, technical teams, regulatory stakeholders, and other partner organizations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science Engineering, Astronomy, Physics, or a related field.
- Postgraduate degree in Data Science, Astronomy, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of four years of demonstrated experience in positions involving the management and analysis of scientific data.
- Experience and familiarity with light pollution and its effects on astronomy and the environment.
- Experience measuring sky brightness or other variables associated with light pollution.
- Demonstrated experience with the complete data lifecycle, including acquisition, cleaning, processing, statistical analysis, and validation.
- Advanced programming skills for data analysis, including experience using relevant programming languages and analytical libraries.
- Experience creating and maintaining interactive dashboards.
- Knowledge of database management and querying, including SQL or similar technologies.
- Familiarity with software used to model the propagation of light through the atmosphere.
- Ability to communicate effectively in both Spanish and English, verbally and in writing.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex challenges and propose innovative solutions.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage priorities, and meet established deadlines.
- Ability to communicate complex technical findings through clear and concise reports, presentations, and visualizations.
Additional Requirements
- The primary duty station for this position will be La Serena, Chile.
- Availability to travel frequently to observatory and project sites, including Paranal/Armazones, La Silla, Las Campanas, and GMTO locations in the Antofagasta and Atacama regions.
- Ability to perform duties in remote astronomical facilities and field environments.
- Availability to participate in scientific measurement campaigns according to operational requirements.
- Ability to manage fieldwork, data analysis, technical reporting, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
- Commitment to complying with AURA, OPCC, and site-specific policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced experience with statistical and geospatial analysis tools.
- Experience developing, calibrating, or validating environmental or atmospheric models.
- Experience modeling light pollution or atmospheric light propagation.
- Experience analyzing scientific images and large or complex datasets.
- Knowledge of dark-sky protection regulations and their technical implementation.
- Experience evaluating the environmental impact of infrastructure or investment projects.
- Experience working with astronomical observatories, scientific institutions, environmental organizations, or regulatory agencies.
- Experience communicating scientific findings to technical, institutional, regulatory, and general audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
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Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
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Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
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May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
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Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
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Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
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Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.
Salaries for positions hired in Chile meet Chile national market rates and internal scales for AURA.
Why Join AURA:
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.
Also we offer a multicultural and collaborative work environment, committed to scientific and operational excellence. Joining our team means contributing to the success of globally significant astronomical projects, within an organization that values safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.
How to Apply
Apply by Friday, October 2nd for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled.
Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF fines preferred.
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.