Senior Astronomical Data Scientist - #0005128

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science operations center for NASA’s flagship space observatories. Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland (Click here to learn more about our missions). This position can support a hybrid work schedule from home and onsite. Candidates must reside in the Maryland area to be able to work on-site when needed.

The Data Management Division at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is hiring a Senior Astronomical Data Scientist, who will focus on Data Analysis Tools for some of the most scientifically-influential space missions in history. These include the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the planned Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.  

You will be joining a group dedicated to developing cutting-edge software to enable scientific breakthroughs using data from NASA missions. The focus of the group you will work with is primarily "post-pipeline" tools, enabling scientists in the astronomy community to extract maximal science from the observations. The astronomy community-facing nature of these tools means that most of this software is Open Source and is developed in collaboration with the science community using community-favored languages like Python.

STScI is also a major contributor to the broader open-source scientific python software stack, including NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, and Astropy, which you will have many opportunities to engage with in your work. We incorporate Jupyter notebooks in data-analysis applications and are developing and supporting JupyterHub environments in the cloud.

This position includes 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.

Your Role & Responsibilities include:

This position is in the Data Analysis Tools Branch in the Data Management Division. You will lead activities related to astronomical image and spectroscopic visualization, Jupyter notebook development, and astronomy software community engagement efforts. You will work with other groups at STScI as well as and the astronomical community. You will create user documentation and tutorials on DAT products and tools.

You will contribute in major ways to the ongoing development of tools by:

• Translating the scientific workflows and requirements into specifications for the software
• Working directly with software developers in an agile environment
• Serving as a Product Owner for an agile scrum team
• Serving as an “alpha tester” of data-analysis tools
• Collaborating across STScI divisions in development of the data-analysis tools
• Overseeing the development of Jupyter notebooks that illustrate data-analysis workflows

You will also contribute in major ways to guiding future development by:

• Providing expertise and vision in technical developments in the scientific software ecosystem
• Providing expertise and vision in the needs for data-analysis tools in the astronomical community
• Scouting for collaboration opportunities and synergies between DATB and the wider astronomical community
• Maintaining close ties with the astronomical community and the open-source (python) scientific software development community to enable all of the above

Your Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• Expertise (minimum of three years or equivalent knowledge level) in astronomical spectroscopic and/or imaging data and data analysis tools.
• Effective communication skills including:
  •  The ability to describe astronomical data analysis tools to a broad science community and collect feedback from that community
  • The ability to describe astronomical data analysis tools and their desired features to non-scientist technical staff
• Demonstrated progressive technical and leadership experience
• Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with other scientific, technical, engineering and administrative staff
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident is required

Desirable (not required):

Experience in Python programming, including the use of common Python-based astronomy packages.  Experience working with and/or contributing to open source scientific software.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy or Physics or a comparable degree; an advanced degree 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. Education or professional background in astronomy, or software development in a research environment is helpful.

The starting position and salary are commensurate with education and experience. We offer an excellent and generous benefits package (Click here to explore our benefits). STScI offers a flexible and welcoming workspace for all (Click here to learn more about our culture).

TO APPLY: Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application. Applications received by April 15, 2022 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.

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

Explore all career opportunities through our website at www.stsci.edu/opportunities

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

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