Staff Astronomical Data Scientist II

Staff Astronomical Data Scientist II

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 (Click here to learn more about our missions).

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 Data Management Division at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is seeking a Staff Astronomical Data Scientist II to focus on developing and supporting cloud-based (AWS) Science Platforms. This role will contribute to some of the most scientifically impactful space missions in history, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

You will join a team dedicated to developing state-of-the-art Science Platforms that utilize AWS cloud-based technologies to support data processing pipelines for the broader astronomy community. In this role, you will serve as the Product Owner for a software development team, working closely with stakeholders to deliver features and enhancements for Science Platforms. You will actively engage with the astronomy community, gathering feedback to ensure the platforms meet the needs of both the missions and the broader scientific community. Additionally, you will represent these platforms at conferences and meetings to increase awareness, promote usage, and gain a deeper understanding of the community's needs.

You will leverage your software development expertise and astronomical background to advance our Science Platforms. As the Product Owner for the team, you will serve as the primary liaison between stakeholders and the development team. Your responsibilities will include defining the product vision, identifying, documenting, and prioritizing product work items, and managing the product backlog to maximize the team's value delivery. In this role, you will collaborate with other groups at STScI, NASA, and the broader astronomical community. Additionally, you will create user documentation and tutorials to support the adoption and effective use of Science Platform products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to ongoing development, maintenance and support for our Science Platforms
• Define and articulate vision and strategy for the Science Platforms
• Prioritize and maintain the product backlog
• Serve as the main point of contact between stakeholders and the product development team.
• Translating the science needs and mission requirements into specifications for the Science Platforms
• Engage directly with software developers to drive product success
• Participate in sprint planning to help the team understand priorities and goal
• Assist in the release planning and manage stakeholder expectations around timelines and deliverables
• Promote the Science Platforms through community outreach, conferences and meetings

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy or Physics or a comparable degree
• An advanced degree in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field is preferred, with 5+ years of experience in an astronomical research role or as an observatory scientist supporting astronomical research
• Education or professional background in astronomy, or software development in a research environment is helpful

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience as Product Owner and/or leading a team of software developers
• Effective managing product backlogs including user story creation and refinement as well as backlog grooming and prioritization
• Experience (minimum of three years or equivalent knowledge level) in astronomical spectroscopic and/or imaging data and data analysis tools
• Effective communication skills including, the ability to:
  • Describe astronomical Science Platforms to a broad science community and collect feedback from that community
  • Describe astronomical Science Platforms and their desired features to non-scientist technical staff
• Skills in maintaining effective working relationships with other scientific, technical, engineering and administrative staff
• Experience in Python programming, including the use of common Python-based astronomy packages
• Experience working in a commercial cloud computing environment
• Experience working with and contributing to open-source scientific software
• Experience developing or operating a scientific data processing workflow
• Experience working with Jupyter Hub and Jupyter Notebooks
• Experience with Linux

The annual salary range for this role is $93k - $97k. The posted salary range represents a general guideline; however, STScI considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers, such as internal pay equity, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education, and skill, and current market conditions.

Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. 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 work/life balance.
• Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/prescription plans, and more!

TO APPLY: Staff Astronomical Data Scientist II

Applications received by February 24, 2025 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.

Explore all career opportunities at www.stsci.edu/opportunities

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

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below, as well as the requests for self-identification, are required under these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements for protection and assisting us in our record-keeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.