Support Scientist

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) has immediate openings for Support Scientists in the Instruments Division and/or the Science Mission Office to work in areas related to:
• the science operations, calibration, and user support of the instruments for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST);
• the development and testing of the instruments and telescope, ground systems testing and preparations for on-orbit commissioning of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST);
• Science policy support for HST and/or JWST

Support Scientists typically spend 80% of their time in support of the science operations mission of the Institute and 20% on personal research. With grant support, they can increase their research fraction up to 50%. Positions are for terms of three years and may be renewed depending on performance and availability of funding. The successful candidates must be able to cultivate working relationships and communicate effectively within cross-disciplinary teams that spread across multiple partners in our missions.

STScI occupies multiple sites surrounding the campus of the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in Baltimore, MD. It maintains excellent computer, technical, and library infrastructure. STScI has close connections with the JHU Physics and Astronomy Department. It is a partner in both the Panoramic Survey Telescope & Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) and Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) consortia.

The diverse research environment of STScI stimulates and supports an international research staff with over 100 members. Their research areas include instrumentation, theory, computational simulations, star and planet formation, stellar evolution, the interstellar medium, stellar populations, galaxy formation and evolution, high-energy astrophysics and cosmology. Research projects often include other research staff, postdoctoral researchers, research instrument analysts and JHU graduate students.

The research staff lead a number of annual workshops and large meetings. They participate in the activities of the very successful office of public outreach. Research-staff members at STScI help formulate the strategic goals of the Institute. STScI has a research staff mentoring program, and periodically offers professional development and training opportunities.

Requirements:

Candidates for these positions must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in astronomy, physics, or a related field. Salaries and benefits are commensurate with those of AURA member universities.

Interested candidates are requested to submit ONE PDF document including: a letter providing a summary of interest in the position, a description of research interests and technical skills (3 pages maximum), a curriculum vitae/resume, a bibliography, and a list of at least three references. The document will need to be attached in the “Resume Upload” section including #16-0179 in the filename.

Applications received by Friday, August 19, 2016, will receive full consideration. Letters of reference will be requested by STScI upon receipt of a complete application and are due no later than Friday, August 26, 2016.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their letter writers separately, since applications will be given full consideration only when all reference letters have been received. Successful candidates should be available to start before Jan 1 2017, and preferably in October 2016.

The diversity of the STScI staff enhances the vibrant and collegial atmosphere of our scientific community, and reflects our commitment to inclusivity in the broadest sense. Accordingly, women, minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals are strongly encouraged to apply for these positions.

As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, STScI does not discriminate because of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, or mental or physical handicap. Veterans, disabled or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at [email protected].