Cosmic Origins Program Chief Scientist

The Astrophysics Science Division of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center invites expressions of interest in a civil servant position as a Research Astrophysicist and the Chief Scientist for the Cosmic Origins Program (COR). COR is one of three Programs within Astrophysics at NASA, along with The Physics of the Cosmos (PCOS) and Exoplanet Exploration (EXEP). The COR Program Office is located at Goddard. Duties as the Cosmic Origins (COR) Chief Scientist include: Providing scientific advice to the COR Program Manager. Supporting the Program Manager in the oversight of COR missions in development and implementation, such as Hubble and SOFIA. Informally monitoring missions in development that are relevant to COR science but not formally in the COR Program, including JWST and WFIRST. Representing the Program at astronomical conferences. Program advocacy and outreach within NASA and the astronomical community, through scientific meetings, newsletters and web updates. Organizing and interacting with the Cosmic Origins Program Analysis Group (COPAG). Serving on the COR Technology Management Board (TMB). Providing scientific input into the COR Program budget development process. Providing scientific input into the Astrophysics Biennial Technology Report and through it to the Strategic Astrophysics Technology Program in ROSES. The COR Chief Scientist will guide, coordinate and take responsibility for the COR Deputy Chief Scientist and will work closely with the PCOS Chief Scientist at Goddard, the EXEP Chief Scientist at JPL, and the Astrophysics Division at NASA HQ.

Desired qualifications include a PhD degree and a scientific publication record in an astronomy, astrophysics or cosmology discipline relevant to the COR science themes. Interest in the full breadth of the COR portfolio including ultraviolet through sub-mm astronomy and technology, studies of cosmic dawn, and the formation and evolution of large scale structures, galaxies, stars, and planetary systems is also desired. It is important that the Chief Scientist be a strong communicator, willing and able to give reports and make presentations, take and distribute notes promptly, and communicate with a broad range of people including HQ program scientists and program executives, engineers, budgetary and management staff, and the wider astrophysical community. Interest at the mid-career (GS-14) or senior (GS-15) level is welcomed; the appointment will be made at a level commensurate with the successful applicant’s experience.

Letters of interest, including a CV, list of publications and a statement of scientific interests, plus 3 letters of reference should be sent electronically to Jonathan P. Gardner, [email protected]; phone: 301-286-3938. In addition, a complete application must also be submitted through USAJobs; those responding to this advertisement will be given instructions. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Gardner as early as possible prior to the deadline.

The successful candidate will be employed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an agency of the U.S. Government, at a salary scale commensurate with education and experience. NASA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and a diversity of candidates is sought. U.S. citizenship is required for this position.