Staff Scientist

Area of consideration: This position is open to all qualified candidates.

About the AAVSO

Since its inception in 1911, the AAVSO has been at the forefront of astronomical research. Initially serving as a platform to aggregate and disseminate data from amateur astronomers, the AAVSO has evolved into one of the most impactful research organizations in the world. Despite its humble beginnings, the AAVSO now boasts a remarkable track record with its data, products, and services contributing to over 250 peer-reviewed publications per year. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the organization's modest size.

Summary of Role

In light of its continued growth and influence, the AAVSO is now seeking a second Staff Scientist to help advance the organization's scientific mission. The successful candidate will identify new scientific opportunities, develop collaborative research programs focused on spectroscopy, exoplanets, or astronomical data science, and help amateur astronomers make meaningful contributions to modern astronomical research.

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), overtime-exempt remote position based from the employee’s home. Some travel, evening work, and weekend work are required to support a small number of events throughout the year.

If you're ready to seize the opportunity to build your career while leaving a lasting impact on the future of astronomy, we encourage you to apply now. Interviews will be conducted to give you the chance to meet our leadership team and learn more about our organization firsthand.

AAVSO is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another and the diverse community we represent.

What you will be doing

As the organization’s second Staff Scientist, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Defining, developing, or discovering high-impact scientific projects suitable for students and amateur astronomers.
• Mentoring and coordinating small teams of volunteers.
• Working directly with amateur astronomers to improve the quality of their observations.
• Collaborating with professional astronomers to establish new scientific partnerships.
• Identifying opportunities where AAVSO can contribute to current astronomical research.
• Analyzing and interpreting observational data.
• Representing AAVSO within the professional astronomical community.

What you need to be successful

• Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: astronomical data science, spectroscopy, or exoplanets.
• Mastery of the English language with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Mastery of Microsoft Office or Google Workspace Tools.
• Mastery of remote collaboration tools like Zoom, Slack, and similar software.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.

How you can stand out

• Experience leading collaborations involving volunteers or citizen scientists.
• Demonstrated ability to engage students and amateur astronomers in scientific research.
• Federal, foundation, or private grant writing experience.
• Established collaborations within the professional astronomy community.
• Demonstrated success managing a small team of researchers.