STScI Postdoctoral Fellowship- #0002217

The Space Telescope Science Institute invites applications for several STScI Postdoctoral Fellowships to start in 2022.

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, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes. The fellowship positions are for a period of four years. Successful applicants will spend 50% of their time in support of the science operations mission of the Institute and 50% on personal research.

Strong applications will address why the applicant wishes to work at STScI in a postdoctoral fellowship position where 50% of their time is spent supporting the science operations mission of the institute, highlight synergies with STScI’s goals, missions, research, and staff, describe examples of scientific, technical, or community leadership, and explain how holding an STScI Postdoctoral Fellowship at STScI will support their scientific development and career goals. More details on the Fellowship and past participants can be found at https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/fellowships/stsci-postdoctoral-fellowship.

The fellowship includes an annual salary of approximately $68,000, generous benefits, including some support for relocation, and $8,000 per year to cover research expenses. The duration of each fellowship is four years contingent on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. Fellows are resident at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.

Applicants must have received (or expect to receive) a PhD in astronomy, physics or a related discipline before the commencement of the fellowship. All research areas in astronomy or planetary science will be considered. 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. 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.

STScI is located near 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, Rubin Observatory 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 100 members. Research projects (http://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research) span a wide range of topics and include extensive collaborations with 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.

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).

Applicants should also submit the names of three individuals who can provide letters of reference on their behalf.

Please use ONLY this link to apply: https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/63029

The STScI on-line application portal will be activated on Monday, August 30, 2021. Applications received by Monday, October 25, 2021 11:59pm will receive full consideration. Letters of reference will be requested upon receipt of a complete application and are due no later than Friday, October 29, 2021. Applicants should contact their letter writers separately, since applications will be given full consideration only when all references have been received.

Candidates will be notified of the results of the selection process by late January 2022. Fellowships will begin in the second half of 2022.

COVID Working Protocols: https://outerspace.stsci.edu/display/CWP

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

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].