Cosmic Origins Support Scientist

Applications are now being accepted for a part-time scientist to work in the Cosmic Origins Program at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. The position is funded through the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Sciences & Technology II (CRESST II). 

The Cosmic Origins Program is looking for a scientist to work in close collaboration with the Cosmic Origins Program Chief Scientist and Deputy Chief Scientist to fulfill the following general responsibilities:

• Administer a travel grant program that offers reimbursement for graduate students and early-career researchers to attend scientific conferences;
• Co-lead weekly Cosmic Origins Support Staff meetings to manage progress on regular and planned tasks for conference preparation, communications, and the website;
• Facilitate the scheduling, organizing, and running of Cosmic Origins meetings during scientific conferences, including but not limited to splinter sessions of the American Astronomical Society conferences; and
• Provide scientific advice to administrative staff in support of website content, communications, and other programmatic activities.

Specific tasks for which the successful candidate will be responsible include: developing/refining the travel grant program application and review process, maintaining a calendar of deadlines and milestones for completion of the program, developing website content and news email promotions for the program, corresponding with applicants, receiving and processing the applications, coordinating with the program review committee, and processing review committee recommendations. The successful candidate will also keep abreast of important science and policy issues relevant to Cosmic Origins through email notifications from agencies and organizations such as the American Astronomical Society, American Institute of Physics, National Academies, NASA (NSPIRES), and National Science Foundation.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a related field. The position is open to those with a wide range of experience and qualifications.  The initial funding for this position will be for 10 hours per week starting September 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding availability.

Restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may require that the successful candidate work remotely, at least initially. We would expect the candidate to transition to on-site work once GSFC resumes full on-site access, but this expectation can be discussed as part of the hiring process. The candidate may be required to be vaccinated; see details near the end of this posting.

The position will remain available until filled. Applications received by August 3, 2021, will receive full consideration. Candidates should provide a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, and contact information for three references to:

Cosmic Origins Support Scientist

CRESST/UMCP

Mail Code 660.8, NASA/GSFC

Greenbelt, MD 20771, or

Via e-mail to [email protected]

For more information about the duties or the Cosmic Origins Program, contact Dr. Peter Kurczynski ([email protected]). For information on UMCP and CRESST II, contact Dr. Tracy Huard ([email protected]).

The University of Maryland has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University System of Maryland (USM) recently announced that students, faculty, and staff on USM campuses this fall, including UMCP, are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective and/or a new employee at UMCP, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any University of Maryland location.

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.