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Share in the thrill of space exploration and join our team! The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) has openings for technical appointments in the Instruments Division to work on the Hubble mission. This is a phenomenal opportunity for a stable long-term career in astronomy with an established technical career path and advancement opportunities. Candidates hired into these positions may have an opportunity to buy back up to a fraction of their time as per Institute policy to pursue independent research grant.
You will work on the Advanced Camera for Surveys team and will be expected to provide support in all phases of instrument calibration, including the collection, reduction, organization, analysis, and interpretation of data to optimize the scientific return of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST).
You will also provide user support to our worldwide community of researchers on various aspects of observation planning and data analysis. Opportunities exist for becoming involved in ground breaking astronomical research by supporting projects led by our science staff. Such support can involve conducting astronomical observations, calibrating and reducing science data, photometry, spectroscopy, image drizzling, software development, and laboratory work in astronomical instrumentation.
Who are we looking for?
You are a team player who is self-motivated, and eager to learn, requiring only minimum supervision. You have a demonstrated record of individual accomplishment including research publications. You want to contribute to state of the art astronomy in a work environment that respects and relies upon the diversity of its staff. You demonstrate versatility, organization, and analytical problem-solving skills. You are able to lead and supervise others in a team/project environment, and to establish connections between teams in the best interest of the project at hand. You are able to manage outcomes on an increased number and/or variety of assignments. You have a degree in astronomy, physics, astrophysics, planetary science, mathematics, aerospace engineering, or a related field. These positions are open to individuals with varying levels of education and experience. Degrees up to and including a PhD will be considered. Position requires US citizen or permanent resident (green card holder). Salary will be commensurate with your education and experience.
You have demonstrated experience in two or more of the following areas:
- astronomical data calibration and reduction (e.g., spectroscopy, imaging),
- scientific instrumentation, astronomical observatory operations, astronomical research
- statistical analysis, scientific programming, and development/use of astronomical software packages.
- Python coding knowledge is desirable, but other relevant experience in coding will be considered.
Experience with astronomy-related CCD imaging data reduction and analysis is required. Particular experience in telescope PSF characterization, precision astrometry, absolute flux calibration, and/or cloud computing is desirable.
***If you do not fulfill these requirements, there will be junior level positions opening up in October.
You are invited to apply:
The application deadline is 28 Sep 2021. Please submit a cover letter as well as a resume or CV with details of relevant technical skills or experience, and the names of three people who have agreed to provide a letter of reference upon request. You are invited to complete an on-line application at:
Applications will only be received thru link below:
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, color, 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.