Roman Mission Head

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) seeks a new Mission Head to lead our Roman Space Telescope Mission Office from our headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland.  Link to apply: https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/70766

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is a world-class space-based astronomical observatory scheduled for launch in late 2026. STScI is the Science Operations Center (SOC) for Roman. Roman will revolutionize many branches of astrophysics through wide-field, high-resolution surveys at near-infrared wavelengths, combining imaging and low-resolution spectroscopy. The Roman Mission Head is responsible for bringing the Roman SOC to launch readiness, engaging the community and ultimately helping maximize the science return from the mission. STScI is looking for a dynamic leader with vision, creativity and initiative to take charge of the Institute’s role in this important mission and serve as an advocate for the community’s scientific success.

As Mission Head, you will lead the Roman Mission office team and own the overall strategy for implementing Roman science at STScI. You will be the Institute’s prime point of contact with the Project at Goddard Space Flight Center, the Roman Science Support Center at IPAC, and other cooperating organizations. With the Institute Director, you will be an advocate for the community’s scientific stake in the success of the mission to NASA and to relevant national advisory committees. You will engage the scientific community and the general public throughout the pre- and post-launch phases. You will oversee the efforts of the Institute’s Roman Mission Office in preparing the Institute for science operations of one of the most important astronomy missions of the next decade.

As a member of the senior leadership team of STScI, you will work with other leaders to identify and exploit science-enhancing harmonies across our missions. You will set priorities to explore and deliver new technologies, services, and infrastructures that advance scientific discovery. You will advance STScI’s mission and vision, and support its goals of diversity, equity and inclusion.

By its nature, the Roman science community is broad, and we welcome candidates with a diverse mix of skills and backgrounds to apply.

We are looking for candidates who: 

·       Have broad knowledge of current advances in astronomy and of the relevance of Roman’s capabilities to those fields, with experience in survey astronomy or big data, large mission operations and management. As a survey mission, Roman will generate peta-scale data archives. You should take a leadership role in maximizing their scientific accessibility by developing close partnerships among engineering teams, scientists, and the astronomical community.

·       Communicate well, in multiple ways and with diverse groups of people.  You are able to work seamlessly with the full range of an organization, engaging effectively with individuals, teams, and management. You are comfortable representing the work of STScI to external partners such as government agencies (e.g. NASA), advisory and oversight committees, and the scientific community. You will work with outreach specialists to communicate Roman’s science to the general public.

·       Take a strategic perspective to identify and advance high-level priorities. Maintain a clear vision of the key scientific priorities for Roman and the Roman user community. You have demonstrated success in your past leadership roles.

·       Have a Ph.D., equivalent degree, or comparable experience in astronomy, computer science, engineering, or a related field. You would effectively utilize some of your working time for self-directed research.

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 and future interests, and contact information for three professional references. Candidates should take advantage of the cover letter and the summary to describe their particular interest in leading Roman at STScI, a brief vision to use the role to advance scientific discovery, and expertise that would support their success in the position. 

Please ONLY use this link to apply: https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/70766

Applications received by February 10, 2023, will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

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 the Pan-STARRS and Sloan Digital Sky Survey V consortia. The research environment engages, stimulates, and supports an international research staff with over 100 members. Research projects (www.stsci.edu/stsci-research www.stsci.edu/stsci-research) span a wide range of topics and include collaborations with postdoctoral researchers, research instrument analysts and JHU graduate students, as well as researchers from other institutions. 

The diversity of the STScI staff enhances the dynamic and collegial atmosphere of our community, and reflects our commitment to inclusivity in the broadest sense. Accordingly, women, minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

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- 85% paid by STScI

·       Employer-sponsored Retirement Plan: 10% direct company contribution

·       Vacation: Up to 5 weeks of paid vacation a year

·       Sick Leave: Up to 12 sick days a year

·       Paid Holidays: 8 regular holidays and 2 personal holidays

·       Employee Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan

·       Flexible Work Schedules / Teleworking Options Available

·       Free Parking

·       Flexible Spending Accounts

·       Employee Assistance Program

·       Company-paid Life, Short-term Disability, and Long-term Disability

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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]. All employment is contingent on establishing eligibility to work in the United States, including obtaining an appropriate visa, if necessary.