Associate Scientist, Astronomy (MEO)

The USRA Science and Technology Institute (STI) is seeking a full-time Associate Scientist, Astronomy, to join the team in Huntsville, AL. The candidate will assist the Meteoroid Environment Office (MEO), located within the MSFC Natural Environments Branch/EV44, in defining the meteoroid environment as it pertains to spacecraft design and risk. The candidate will carry out fundamental/original research in the meteor/meteoroid discipline, develop software and tools to analyze meteor-related data, conduct any required astronomical observations, and respond with quick-turnaround analyses of bright meteor events occurring over the United States. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Developing, and assisting in the development of, models and simulations pertaining to the meteoroid environment, including meteoroid structure/properties and the Solar System small bodies associated with meteoroids.
• Analyzing observational data collected from telescopes, cameras, radiometers or other instrumentation. 
• Conducting observations of meteors and their parent bodies; monitoring the Moon for flashes caused by meteoroid impacts.
• Presenting results to the NASA customer and at conferences.
• Publishing results in the appropriate journals.
• Delivering quick-turnaround characterizations of bright meteor events to the MEO customer.

Required Qualifications: 

• Have at least 2 first author publications in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Extensive experience coding in Python with some formal training in computer science (coursework, job experience, etc.).
• Working knowledge of statistics.
• Experience in operating telescopes or observational astronomy coursework.
• Demonstrate strong technical writing and presentation skills in order to present data to internal and external customers.
• Have strong customer relations skills.
• Ability to multi-task and transition between quick turnaround assignments.
• Show initiative and be proactive to make connections and build relationships with key players on the tasks.
• Demonstrate the capability to plan and perform analyses independently and within a team.
• Research experience in Solar System small bodies and classwork in celestial mechanics are desired.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• The ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing. Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and clients. 
• Requires sitting for extended periods in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues. Also, requires sitting for extended periods at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks, and sitting at an observatory to conduct overnight astronomical observations. 
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Education:  Doctorate degree in Astronomy, Physics, or similar field from an accredited institution. Postdoc experience is a plus.

Working Requirements: This position is not available for remote working.  Candidate is required to follow MSFC/EV44 in office work policy which currently requires employees to be in the office a minimum of Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday each week. Normal workday is from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

US Citizenship: Must be US Citizen

Travel: The potential exists to travel to other US government facilities and to conferences.

This position is contingent upon funding. 

Applicants should apply for the position at USRA Careers and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vitae. Additional information on USRA can be found at www.usra.edu. 

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.