Astronomical Data Scientist - #0002297

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Archive Date: 
Thursday, August 12, 2021
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Scientific/Technical Staff
Institution Classification/Type: 
Industry
Institution/Company: 
Space Telescope Science Institute
Street Line 1: 
3700 San Martin Drive
Street Line 3: 
3700 San Martin Drive
City: 
Baltimore
State/Province: 
MD
Zip/Postal: 
21218
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

STScI is the science operations center for several NASA missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). We also lead the science and mission operations for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), planned to launch later this year, and will perform parts of the science operations for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, in formulation for launch in the mid-2020s. STScI hosts the MAST (Mikulski Archive for Space Telescope) archive that contains data from more than 20 missions, including TESS.

The Data Management Division (DMD) at STScI is seeking an Astronomical Data Scientist to support the TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) archive.

This is a 100% functional position as described in the Role & Responsibilities but it does include the option to buy back up to 25%- 50% of your FTE for personal research through the use of any approved external funding or grants you may receive.

Role & Responsibilities

The archive scientist will support archive projects to enhance the scientific utilization of the data and meta-data through existing and future data-mining techniques.  In addition, the archive scientist will participate in planning, definition and implementation of processes, procedures and tools supporting JWST archive.

This position is in the Catalog Science Branch in the Data Management Division. You will lead archive activities related to timeseries missions, including TESS, and provide scientific guidance on TESS development efforts. You will work with the astronomical community to ingest new High Level Science Products (HLSP) from HST and JWST into MAST. You will create user documentation and tutorials on MAST data products, tools, and interfaces.

You will:

  • Serve as a point-of-contact between the TESS mission and MAST. Track and facilitate ingest of TESS data deliveries. Assist with prioritization of TESS archival development roadmaps and features
  • Create webpages at MAST with documentation on each HLSP
  • Answer help desk questions from MAST users, especially for those related to timeseries missions (Kepler, K2, TESS) and HLSP
  • Assist in the organization and activities of the MAST Users Group, a committee of outside astronomers that provides community input to MAST
  • Provide input for monthly Branch reports, annual MAST reports, and other similar activities
  • Work with other archive scientists and developers to define projects and priorities for MAST development

Qualifications:

  • Expertise (minimum of three years or equivalent knowledge level) in the scientific guidance and use of timeseries data products and the needs of the timeseries community (e.g., Kepler, K2, TESS)
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to describe astronomical data to a broad science community
  • Maintain effective working relationships with other scientific, technical, and administrative staff
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident is required

Desirable:

Experience in Python scripting, including the use of common Python-based astronomy packages

Education/Experience:

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Astronomy, Planetary Science, Physics, or a related field and 5+ years of experience in astronomical research or observatory scientist/support functions.

A PhD in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field is preferred with 3+ years of experience in an astronomical research role or as an observatory scientist supporting astronomical research.

Substitution of additional relevant education or experience for stated qualifications may be considered. The starting position and salary are commensurate with education and experience.

TO APPLY: Please upload one cover letter and resume on one PDF document for review. Relocation assistance may be available. Applications received by August 20th, 2021 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.

Direct Link: Astronomical Data Scientist - #0002297

STScI offers a flexible and welcoming workspace for all. We offer an excellent and generous benefits package. Explore our benefits at http://www.stsci.edu/opportunities/benefit Explore all career opportunities on our website at www.stsci.edu/opportunities.

*COVID-19 UPDATE: Staff members will not be required to work on-site unless their presence is necessary to carry out specific functional activities. All initial on-site visits during our Restricted On-site Presence will be strictly voluntary until January 1, 2022. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will continue to interview and screen candidates in this new virtual landscape. Offers of employment can be extended and new hires will onboard virtually. Employees are required to be residents in the Baltimore-Washington area within a limited time from their start date.*

Effective September 1, 2021, STScI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all employees working onsite or from home (virtually). Exceptions to the vaccination requirement may be granted in for documented medical or religious reasons or for staff who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.

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STScI embraces the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in creating a first-rate community. We reflect this deep dedication in strongly encouraging women, ethnic minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities (Click here to learn more about how we foster Diversity & Inclusion) Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at [email protected] EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements that are included for protection and to assist us in our record-keeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

Application Deadline: 
Friday, August 13, 2021
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, August 13, 2021
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Shelly Abrams
Title: 
Lead Employment Specialist
Institution/Company: 
Space Telescope Science Institute
Department Name: 
Human Resources
Street Line 1: 
3700 San Martin Drive
City: 
Baltimore
State/Province: 
MD
Zip/Postal Code: 
21218
Phone: 
410-338-6845
Institution/Company Job ID or Reference Code: 
0002297
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Shelly Abrams
Subject: 
Astronomical Data Scientist - #0002297