Archive Analyst - Scientific Technical Writer - #0004535

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories. Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. This position could support working from home part time. Candidates must be in our local market to be able to report on-site when needed.

The Data Management Division (DMD) at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is hiring an Archive Analyst, focusing on scientific technical writing, to help advance our state-of-the-art astronomical data archive.  STScI is the science operations center for several NASA missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).  The Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST) is the public data archive for more than 20 missions spanning more than 30 years, including HST, JWST, GALEX, PanSTARRS, Kepler, K2, and TESS.  MAST is the archive for upcoming missions like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, in formulation to launch in the mid-2020s.

Your Role & Responsibilities include:

You will be joining a group of astronomers and engineers dedicated to providing cutting-edge software and search interfaces that enable the public to access and discover data from MAST missions.

You will:

• create, and maintain, documentation and tutorials for our supported missions, data collections, and search interfaces
• work with our software engineers to provide high-quality documentation for our search APIs
• work with teams at the Institute to create user-facing documentation on STScI webpages to provide accurate and easy-to-use onboarding information for all our tools and services
• work with astronomers to create and maintain Python notebooks showing how to use our tools to enable a wide variety of astrophysical research, for beginners and expert
• As needed, you will provide other means of educating our community on how to use our tools and interfaces to conduct their research, which may include interactions through Slack chats, answering help desk emails, conducting classes or demos about our search tools, or creating video tutorials.

Your Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• You will primarily be working on documentation and information contained within webpages (HTML, Confluence) and in Python notebooks.
• You must be comfortable and effective working in a team with other technical and scientific staff on a daily basis
• Experience with Python and Jupyter notebooks is a plus, but not required
• Some familiarity with fundamentals in astronomy/physics is preferred, but is not a strict requirement
• You are expected to write and edit engaging content for a wide variety of audience types, and possess excellent communication skills. Experience with design (e.g., CSS styling, documentation layout) is a plus
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident

***If possible, please provide a sample of previous documentation work you have done for a professional STEM audience with your application (a link to public-facing documentation, or a sample provided in PDF format with your other application materials).***

Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field, is preferred but is not required. A minimum expertise level of 2+ years writing scientific documentation for a professional audience, or an equivalent knowledge level, is expected.

The starting position and salary are commensurate with education and experience. We offer an excellent and generous benefits package. STScI offers a flexible and welcoming workspace for all.

TO APPLY: Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application.  Applications received by February 5, 2022 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.

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.