The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) welcomes applications from outstanding astronomers for one or more openings in the coming year. We are seeking enthusiastic candidates with an exceptional research record in observational or theoretical astronomy, including those with a focus on instrumentation. Appointments can be made on either the tenure-track or the scientist-track, and at junior or senior levels. We particularly encourage applications from researchers with a background in solar system science or optics. Tenure-track astronomers spend 50% of their time on personal research and 50% in support of the science operations mission of the Institute. Scientist-track astronomers spend up to 80% of their time in support of science operations and 20% on independent research. Scientist track astronomers have the option of buying back up to an additional 30% of their time for independent research using external funding.
STScI has a stimulating and diverse research environment. Over 100 researchers, including scientist and tenure-track astronomers, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students conduct research over a broad range of astrophysical topics. The diverse research themes at the Institute include star and planet formation, stellar evolution, the interstellar medium, galaxy formation and evolution, and cosmology. STScI also has close connections with the John Hopkins University Physics and Astronomy Department, supports a number of annual workshops and meetings (including the annual May Symposium), has a large and very successful office of public outreach as well as an excellent computer, technical, and library infrastructure.
Research staff members at STScI help formulate the strategic goals of the Institute. They work in key areas including instrument, archive, and user support, and observation planning and scheduling. STScI is the science operations center for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and will perform the same role for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Institute scientists are closely involved in the design and planning of JWST instruments and operations, in addition to collaborating with the community on concept and design studies for future NASA missions. The science staff also support calibration of the current suite of HST instruments and provide assistance to HST users in executing their research programs with the telescope.
Candidates for these positions must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in astronomy, physics, or planetary science, and have postdoctoral and/or other experience demonstrating a distinguished record of independent research or technical innovation. STScI offers a highly competitive salary and benefits program.
STScI sees the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in our desire to create a first-rate scientific community. We reflect that deep commitment in strongly encouraging women, minorities, veterans and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities. 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. The Space Telescope Science Institute is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy.
Applicants should submit the following materials in a Word or PDF file: a letter of application, a curriculum vitae and bibliography, a brief description of your technical skill, current and future research interests, and the names of three individuals who will write letters of reference on your behalf. Additional details on these positions, including detailed program policies as well as instructions both for the applicants and for their referees, will be available at the website:
https://fellows.stsci.edu/Apptool/SciRecruit/pre_app.php.
Applicants and referees must follow the instructions for uploading their materials using the STScI web interface as described in that Announcement. Veterans, disabled or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu.
Applications received by May 15, 2012 will receive primary consideration. Letters of reference will be requested by STScI upon receipt of a complete application and are due no later than May 31, 2012. Applicants are encouraged to contact their letter writers separately, since applications will be given full consideration only when all reference letters have been received.
EOE/AA/M/F/D/V
Included Benefits:
- Medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance
- Company-paid Life, Short-term Disability, and Long-term Disability
- Vacation: Up to 5 weeks of paid vacation a year
- Sick Leave: Up to 12 sick days a year
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Holidays: 7 regular holidays and 3 personal holidays
- Employer-funded Retirement Plan
- Employee Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Telecommuting Options
- Free Parking
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
Human Resources Office Space Telescope Science Institute 3700 San Martin Dr. Baltimore, MD 21218