STScI Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Space Telescope Science Institute invites applications for several STScI Postdoctoral Fellowships to start in Fall 2023.

The goal of STScI Postdoctoral Fellowships is to offer passionate and self-motivated early-career scientists the opportunity to further develop their independent research programs while at the same time gaining valuable insight into the operation and support of major NASA facilities, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and he Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The fellowship positions are for a period of up to 4 years. Successful applicants will spend 50% of their time in support of the science operations mission of the Institute and 50% on personal research.

We are seeking candidates with interest or experience in space- or ground-based astronomical observations, observatory systems, astronomical instrumentation, archives, data science, science policy, and software development. Researchers experienced with theoretical, computational or data analysis techniques that could be applied to support observatory science are also encouraged to apply. Experience in imaging distortion and/or wide-field slitless spectroscopy calibrations is preferred, though not required.

STScI Fellowships include an annual salary of approximately $72,802, generous benefits, including some support for relocation, and $8,500 per year to cover research expenses. The duration of each fellowship is up to four years. Fellows are residents at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.

Applicants are expected to hold a PhD in astronomy, physics, or a related field at the time of commencement of the fellowship, but there are no further restrictions on the data of the PhD degree. All research areas in astronomy or planetary science will be considered, and research may be observational, theoretical, or instrumental. The selection will be based on the accomplishments and proposed research of the applicants, and on their potential match against STScI’s mission support needs; the impacts of covid will be considered during the selection process.

Further information about all of our fellowship opportunities can be found at: https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/fellowships. Questions about this opportunity should be sent to [email protected].

Applicants should submit the following materials in a single pdf file:

1) a cover letter (maximum 2 pages),

2) a curriculum vitae and list of publications,

3) a research statement describing past, current and proposed research (maximum 4 pages),

4) a statement of technical skills and interests relevant to supporting STScI missions (maximum 1 page).

 

References will not count toward the page limits. Strong applications will address why the applicant wishes to work at STScI, highlight synergies with STScI’s goals, missions, research, and staff, and explain how holding an STScI Postdoctoral Fellowship at STScI will support their scientific development and career goals.

Applicants will be requested to identify three individuals who can provide letters of reference on their behalf by the application deadline. References will be contacted thru the Slideroom system to submit the letters.

ONLY use this link to apply:   https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/74351

The STScI on-line application portal will be activated on Friday, August 11, 2023. Applications received by Friday, October, 6, 2023 11:59pm EDT will receive full consideration.

We anticipate conducting interviews in January 2024. Candidates will be notified of the results of the selection process by the end of January 2024. Fellowships will begin in the second half of 2024.

STScI occupies two sites surrounding the campus of the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in Baltimore, MD. It maintains close connections with the JHU Physics and Astronomy Department and is a partner in the Pan-STARRS, LSST and SDSS V consortia. STScI values diversity and has mentoring programs and access to annual training programs. The research environment engages, stimulates and supports a diverse international research staff with over 120 members. Research projects (http://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research) span a wide range of topics and include collaborations with postdoctoral researchers, research support analysts and JHU graduate students, as well as researchers from other institutions. Researchers lead the organization of annual workshops and symposia, and participate in the activities of the very successful office of public outreach. Functionally, research staff members support the wider community through calibration and characterization of current and upcoming instrumentation, development of tools for analyses of archival holdings, and overall mission planning. Research-staff members also help to formulate the strategic goals of the Institute.

The diversity of the STScI staff enhances the dynamic 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. #LIHYBRID

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].

Salaries and benefits are commensurate with those of AURA member universities.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)