Research Astrophysicist, X-ray Astrophysics Lab at NASA GSFC

The X-ray Astrophysics Laboratory of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center plans to hire an early career civil service research astrophysicist.  As a Research Astrophysicist, the successful candidate is expected to conduct an independent program of astronomical research, studying active galaxies, black holes, neutron stars, clusters of galaxies, supernova remnants, or other cosmic X-ray sources. Emphasis will be placed on candidates with plans for pathfinder scientific investigations for XRISM and Athena. Those conducting astrophysical research that is either observational or theoretical in nature are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will participate in and/or lead concept development for future missions, including developing the science case for missions and performing public advocacy.   

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development of efficient, science-driven approaches to ground and/or on-orbit calibration of state of the art hardware including optics and/or detectors.   The primary instrumentation to be supported is that of the XRISM mission, either its optics or detectors. The successful candidate will be expected to develop methods of modeling instrument performance. Such modeling may include laboratory astrophysics investigations, performing research into fundamental physics questions related to detector and/or optics performance,  modeling of detector and/or optical performance, and/or testing and calibration of flight units.

U.S. citizenship is required.  A Ph.D. degree is highly desirable.  This is an early career position: the appointment is for a GS-13/14 position with salary commensurate with the applicant’s past experience.

Interested applicants should send a CV,  a statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Ann Hornschemeier at [email protected] by June 28, 2019.   Please use the subject line “2019 662 civil service scientist position”.   Additional application material will be required through the USAJobs website; the USAJobs posting of this position is anticipated for July/Aug 2019, with phone interviews ~Aug 2019 and in-person interviews in September 2019.

NASA GSFC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.