Science Visualization Specialist

The Adler Planetarium is seeking a Science Visualization Specialist to join our dynamic team located on Chicago's Museum Campus. This person leads the development and production of data-based scientific visualizations to illustrate astronomy and space science topics. This individual will also be responsible for:

• Collaborating with Theaters & Visualization teammates to develop new visuals for use in shows, online content, and interactive exhibits

• Developing opportunities to utilize Adler theater spaces for scientific applications of visualizations, hosting visualization events, and developing potential scholarly and commercial applications of Adler visualizations.

• Investigating usage of new technologies for scientific communication. Actively researching and staying informed of emerging technologies, trends, and methods of digital experience system design that apply to Adler's needs.

• Providing support and mentoring for staff and affiliated experts in visualization projects. Overseeing and coordinating work by interns and volunteers related to the production of new visualization assets. 

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED

• Three years of scientific visualization production experience, or equivalent experience programming in Python, C#, JavaScript, or planetarium software (Digistar, OpenSpace, or similar). 

• One year of documented experience working collaboratively within a larger team.

• Experience mentoring junior employees on programming and visualization projects.

• Experience working with academic researchers on scientific visualization projects.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time and work independently.

• Good software problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

• Basic level of astronomical knowledge

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Five years of documented experience programming, visualizing, and presenting scientific data for general public audiences in museum or planetarium environments, or equivalent experience programming in Python, C#, or JavaScript. 

• Five years experience visualizing astronomical datasets in planetarium software such as Digistar, OpenSpace (or similar)

• Understanding of best practices in science communication, and ability to translate that into effective visualizations for public consumption.

• Production experience using 3D modeling and animation software such as 3ds Max, Maya, or Blender.

• Bachelor's Degree with coursework in one or more of the following fields: computer science, digital media, technology, physical sciences, OR 5+ years professional work experience

• Advanced level of astronomical knowledge