Post Doctoral Researcher in Transient Astrophysics jobs in United States
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Space Telescope Science Institute · 2 months ago

Post Doctoral Researcher in Transient Astrophysics

positionBaltimore, Maryland, United States
timeFull-time
remoteOnsite
seniorityNew Grad, Entry Level

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is NASA’s science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. They are inviting applications for a postdoctoral position in transient astrophysics, focusing on engineering a large-scale database for JWST observations of transient phenomena, especially supernovae, and developing data processing pipelines.

AerospaceEducationNon Profit
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Growth Opportunities
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H1B Sponsor Likelynote

Responsibilities

Engineer a large-scale database to integrate both photometric and spectroscopic JWST observations of transient phenomena, especially supernovae
Design, curate, and analyze the database so both engineering proficiency and domain-specific expertise are essential
Develop pipelines for data processing, quality assurance, and dissemination, as well as other science-ready tools for the broader community
Take on new projects, learn new skills, create scientific publications, and work independently to bring these projects to fruition

Qualification

Software engineeringDatabase managementScientific programming in PythonLarge astronomical datasetsSpectroscopyDust analysisUser-friendly interfacesData visualization toolsJWST data formatsRadiative transfer modelingBackground in transients

Required

Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field prior to beginning their appointment
Strong background in software engineering and modern database management (e.g., SQL, efficient data retrieval and storage, cloud storage/computing)
The ability to develop user-friendly interfaces and visualization tools that enable efficient retrieval, modeling, and community use of the data
Proficiency in scientific programming in Python, including version control, testing, and documentation best practices
Experience with large and complex astronomical datasets, preferably from space-based missions
Prior experience with spectroscopy, ideally in the infrared
Background in transients is welcome, but the highest priority will be given to candidates who can bring strong software and database expertise to enable efficient use of JWST data

Preferred

Expertise or interest in dust analysis (e.g., continuum fitting, molecular/dust features) is highly desirable
Familiarity with JWST data formats, calibration, and reduction pipelines is a plus
Knowledge of radiative transfer modeling is a plus

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare
Paid parental leave
Competitive salaries
Relocation assistance

Company

Space Telescope Science Institute

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Space Telescope Science Institute is a company focused on technology and implementation of long range telescopes.
dateFounded in 1981
location
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
people-size501-1000 employees
web-link
http://www.stsci.edu/portal

H1B Sponsorship

Space Telescope Science Institute has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9)
2024 (6)
2023 (9)
2022 (7)
2021 (3)
2020 (8)

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage

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