2017 Giaconni Postdoctoral Fellowship and the 2017 Lasker Data Science Fellowship

The Space Telescope Science Institute invites applications for the 2017 Giacconi Postdoctoral Fellowship and the 2017 Lasker Data Science Fellowship.

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories and a world-class astronomical research center. Established in 1981, the Institute has developed and executed the science program for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since its launch in 1990. Today, STScI is developing new technologies for the science and flight operations center for NASA’s next Great Observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope, set to launch in 2018.

STScI is also developing major science operations for NASA’s Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), set to launch in the mid-2020s, and studying Advanced Space Telescope Concepts for future large missions in the 2030s and beyond.

The Giacconi Fellowship, named in honor of the first director of STScI and Nobel Prize winner Riccardo Giacconi, provides up to three years of support for outstanding postdoctoral researchers in any field of astronomy, astrophysics, or planetary science. The research may be theoretical, observational, or instrumental.   Emphasis on studies in the science areas served by the HST, JWST, and WFIRST-AFTA missions and/or with strong synergies with the STScI scientific staff will be preferred.

The Lasker Fellowship, named in honor of STScI astronomer Barry Lasker, the creator of the Digitized Sky Survey provides up to three years of support for outstanding postdoctoral researchers working on innovative scientific studies involving large astronomical databases, massive data processing, data visualization and discovery, and automated classification and clustering algorithms. Emphasis on studies that take significant advantage of the archived datasets held (or planned for ingest) at STScI will be preferred. These data include HST, GALEX, Kepler/K2, PanSTARRS, TESS, JWST, and WFIRST-AFTA. Interdisciplinary approaches to addressing challenges posed by big data in astronomy, including facilitating such studies by a broad user community, will also be strongly considered in the selection process. Access to software development support is likely and collaboration with members of the STScI scientific staff is encouraged.

The 2017 Fellowships includes a competitive salary, generous benefits, including paid parental leave and support for relocation, and resources to cover research expenses. The selection will be based on the accomplishments and proposed research of the applicants. There are no restrictions on the date of PhD degree. The duration of the fellowship is up to three years: an initial one-year appointment and two annual renewals contingent on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The Fellowships are resident at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.

Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages), and a description of the proposed research to be carried out at STScI (also limited to 3 pages). The proposed research should also include (at the top) the name of a scientist at STScI who has agreed to act as a sponsor for the applicant.

A single application may be submitted for both fellowships. The cover letter should discuss which fellowship(s) the applicant wishes to be considered for. These documents must be prepared as pdf files. Applicants must also arrange for three letters of reference to be provided directly by their authors.

Link to apply: http://stsci.slideroom.com

Applications received by Thursday November 10, 2016, will receive full consideration. Letters of reference will be requested by STScI upon receipt of a complete application and are due no later than Thursday November 17, 2016.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their letter writers separately, since applications will be given full consideration only when all reference letters have been received.
The diversity of the STScI staff enhances the vibrant 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]