Roman Telescope Branch Principal, Instruments Division – #0010891 (Internal Only) full_time

The 2.4m Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (Roman) will be NASA’s next flagship mission after JWST, with launch planned in late ~2026. Its Wide-Field Imager (WFI) will have over 100 times Hubble’s Field of View, and will be used to characterize dark energy, provide a census of exoplanets, and enable studies in General Astrophysics. WFI just underwent thermal vacuum testing. Roman’s Coronagraphic Instrument (CGI) will provide a technology demonstration for high-contrast imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanets. During the first five years, the observing time will be split between Core Community Surveys and General Astrophysics Surveys. The Mission is distributed among various centers. The Roman Project Office is at GSFC, and GSFC leads the development of the WFI, the spacecraft, and the telescope. The CGI is being developed by JPL. STScI is the Roman Science Operations Center (SOC), and is in charge of developing the Planning and Scheduling sub-system for all observations, the Data Management sub-system for processing of the Imaging data and archival of all Roman data, and for science support of the WFI-imaging mode (including calibration, operations, user support, etc.). IPAC is the Roman Science Support Center and holds responsibility for the operations of the CGI, for the high-level data processing of spectroscopic and microlensing data, and for the proposal review process.

With this communication we seek expressions of interest from staff to be considered for assignment to the Roman Telescope Branch. The plan is to fill the current RTB vacancy with a Staff Scientist with a rank up to, and including, Principal.

The candidate will support and provide technical and scientific inputs to the development of the Roman ground systems and operations, which may include planning, scheduling, data processing & management, simulation tools, and/or user support. 

Desired experience and/or skills include some or all of the following (note: while these are desired, other relevant experience and skills may be considered):

1. Experience with near-IR instrument calibration and reference file generation, including the development/improvement/testing of algorithms.
2. Experience with commissioning of a space observatory and/or near-IR instrument (e.g. JWST, HST/SM4).
3. Experience working with and contributing to the development of simulation tools (e.g. Pandeia, WebbPSF, STIPS, etc), including user support and end-to-end testing.
4. Experience working on ground system operations, including providing inputs to development teams (e.g. PSS, DMS). For example:
   1. ⁃ Knowledge of the Astronomer’s Proposal Tool; work closely with Planning & Scheduling System to support the development & testing as well as help implement flight or calibration activities. 
   2. ⁃ Knowledge of instrument data pipeline; work closely with Data Management System to support & test pipeline & archive development.
5. Excellent communication skills, as the candidate will interface with other divisions and teams at STScI as well as external teams (Goddard, IPAC, science teams).
6. Good programming skills, including knowledge of cloud computing and/or large and complex datasets (or interest in developing such expertise on the job).

Requirements:

Education: A degree in astronomy, physics or an engineering field.

Experience: the successful applicant should possess some near-IR detector calibration experience. Knowledge of at least one of the HST or JWST instruments including COS, STIS, ACS, WFC3, NIRCam, NIRISS, MIRI, NIRSpec, Telescope elements and/or another science instrument, is desirable, and may be considered in lieu of experience with the Roman mission.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships within the Institute and with outside vendors and customers, including the ability to clearly and consistently identify problems or areas that require coordination or negotiation of effort among individuals or teams.

Communication: Excellent verbal, presentation and written skills.

Note: Substitution of additional relevant education or experience for stated qualifications will be considered.

Citizenship: Must preferably be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to avoid any impediments due to ITAR restrictions. Technical Assistance Agreements may be established if needed.

Interested applicants should submit an on-line application at: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/JobBoard/93330e50-7b3a-4ba8-94f2-6f32360aa4e1/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=1d0177d3-f581-4234-8479-9defee4bcbf5

Please provide a CV/resume and a cover letter stating your interest in the position and the qualifications you bring to the position.

All applications that meet the above criteria and are submitted by 7/15/24 will receive full consideration.

STScI offers a flexible and welcoming workspace for all. STScI embraces the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in creating a first-rate community. We strongly encourage women, ethnic minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities. Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu EOE/AA/M/F/D/V.

As a leader in the astronomical community, AURA is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the workforce www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp