The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science operations center for NASA's flagship observatories. Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. This position can support hybrid work. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV). This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence in order to meet ITAR requirements.
The Science & Mission Scheduling Branch (SMSB) Long Range Planning Group (LRPG) in the Science Operations and Engineering Division (SCOPE) is seeking a Senior Science Operations Staff Scientist to provide day-to-day operations and analysis support for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (RST).
The successful candidate will be on rotation to support the weekly Long-Range Plan (LRP) maintenance processes for each of these flagship observatories. They will also participate in the preparation and execution of the plan build process which creates the annual LRP at the beginning of each mission's observing cycle. When not working on assigned weekly and annual operational tasks, the Senior Science Operations Staff Scientist will support critical observatory planning analysis projects such as HST orbit model updates, plan resource modeling and analysis, operations process problem analysis and solution projects, operations tool development, and the writing of the detailed but concise operations knowledge base and procedure documentation that is necessary for optimal observatory science planning operations. The successful candidate will collaborate daily with goal-driven, like-minded colleagues and will contribute their demonstrated knowledge of astronomy/astrophysics and proficient technical skills to generate and maintain optimally efficient long-range observing plans for three of NASA's high profile flagship space observatories.
A Master's Degree in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Mathematics is required. A PhD in Astronomy or Astrophysics is preferred. Candidates with a degree in a related field or discipline that includes prior observatory science planning and scheduling experience will also be considered.
Experience and knowledge: - Demonstrated knowledge of physics, astronomy/astrophysics is required.
- Proficiency in UNIX or LINUX operating systems is required.
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge of Python or a similar scripting language is required.
- Demonstrated experience in technical project management is highly desired.
Qualified applicants will have: - Demonstrated ability to work independently and carry through assigned tasks.
- Demonstrated ability to formulate and resolve problems through research and application of standard scientific, mathematical and computation skills and techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
- Demonstrated ability to work in and actively contribute to a team environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to include technical writing skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and follow-through are essential.
- This position requires on-call off-shift work hours for planning support during observatory anomaly recovery activities.
Our excellent benefits include:
- Employer retirement contribution - direct STScI contribution of 10% of your salary from your first day
- 12 days sick leave, up to 24 days' vacation, and 10 paid holidays
- Flexible work schedule with healthy work/life balance
- Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/prescription plans, and more!
Salary range is $100k - $120k.
Application link - Senior Science Operations Staff Scientist
Applications received by
09/17/2025 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at
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