STScI Postdoctoral Fellowship- #02925

The Space Telescope Science Institute will award several postdoctoral fellowships to start in 2019. The goal of these fellowships is to offer outstanding 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 HST, JWST, WFIRST and archives (MAST). The fellowship positions are for a period of 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.

The program is open to applicants who have received their Ph.D. in astronomy, physics or a related discipline before November 1 2018. 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, and archives. Researchers experienced with theoretical, computational or data analysis techniques that could be applied to support observatory science are also encouraged to apply. While scientific excellence is the primary selection criterion, candidates should also explain how working on STScI’s missions and/or collaborations with STScI research staff would support their scientific development.

STScI occupies multiple 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 both the Pan-STARRS and LSST consortia.  STScI values diversity and has mentoring programs and access to annual training programs.  The research environment engages, stimulates and supports an international research staff with over 100 members. Research projects ( http://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/stsci-research-topics-and-programs ) span a wide range of topics and include extensive collaborations with researchers from other institutions.  Researchers lead the organization of annual workshops and larger-scale meetings. 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.

Applicants should submit the following materials in a single pdf file: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and bibliography, a 2-3 page summary of current research interests, including synergies with research currently being carried out at STScI, and a description of how working on STScI’s missions would support their scientific development.

Applicants will be asked to submit the names and email addresses of three individuals that will be able to write letters of reference on their behalf. References will be contacted through the application system for the letter submissions. Emails will come from:  [email protected]. Applicants should contact their letter writers separately to inform them of the process, since applications will be given full consideration only when all reference letters have been received.

TO APPLY:   https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/45313

The STScI on-line application portal will be activated on September 12, 2018. Applications received by Monday, November 5, 2018 will receive full consideration. Letters of reference will be requested upon receipt of a complete application and are due no later than Monday, November 19, 2018. 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 2019. Fellowships will begin in the second half of 2019.

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.

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.

Included Benefits: -Medical, dental, prescription, and vision -Vacation: Up to 5 weeks of paid vacation a year -Sick Leave: Up to 12 sick days a year -Paid Holidays: 7 regular holidays and 3 personal holidays -Employer-sponsored Retirement Plan: direct company contribution -Employee Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan -Flexible Work Schedules -Telecommuting Options Available -Free Parking -Flexible Spending Accounts -Employee Assistance Program -Company-paid Life, Short-term Disability, and Long-term Disability