Applications are now being accepted for a Scientific Software and Operations Coordination Scientist in the field of time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy. The successful applicant will join the Astrophysics Cross-Observatory Science Support (ACROSS) team onsite at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), as an employee and faculty member of the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), through the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology II (CRESST II) cooperative agreement.
This position is full time, with up to 20% of time available for independent research. The nominal starting date is in February 2027, with some flexibility for a later start date. The initial term will be for one year, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and funding availability.
Primary Responsibilities:1. Scientific Software Development: Contribute to ACROSS's open-source software ecosystem by developing and maintaining APIs, web applications, and Python packages that enable multi-mission coordination and time-domain astrophysics workflows.
2. Joint Program Coordination: Serve as primary scientific contact for observers with approved multi-mission/joint observing programs, coordinating implementation across participating missions and resolving scheduling conflicts.
3. Technical Requirements Gathering: Identify coordination bottlenecks and interoperability challenges during operational support activities, translating these into well-defined software requirements and feature requests for the ACROSS data system.
4. Science Validation & Testing: Design and execute scientific validation tests for ACROSS tools, ensuring they meet the practical needs of astronomers pursuing time-domain and multi-messenger observations across multiple facilities.
5. Community Technical Support: Provide expert scientific and technical assistance to observers using ACROSS tools for joint program planning, implementation, and data analysis, serving as the bridge between scientific users and technical systems.
6. Documentation & Knowledge Transfer: Create and maintain user-facing scientific documentation, tutorials, and examples that demonstrate best practices for multi-mission coordination using ACROSS tools and services.
7. Mission Interface Support: Work directly with mission General Observer Facility representatives to ensure smooth coordination of responsibilities for joint programs, establish standardized handoff processes, and maintain scientific integrity throughout implementation.
Required Qualifications:- Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field.
- At least two years of experience, since earning the Ph.D., with time-domain and multi-messenger astrophysics observations, preferably including target of opportunity observations across multiple facilities.
- Proven experience in software development within astronomy/astrophysics research environments.
- Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries.
- Proficiency in Python scientific programming and data analysis workflows.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience with NASA mission operations, general observer programs, or telescope time allocation processes.
- Familiarity with observation planning tools, scheduling systems, or proposal management software.
- Experience coordinating multi-facility observations or participating in large-scale astronomical collaborations.
- Technical experience with web application development (JavaScript, Node.js, Svelte or React).
- Background working in agile software development environments with requirements gathering responsibilities.
- Experience with proposal review processes or time allocation committees for major astronomical facilities.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific workflows into technical requirements.
Application Process: Candidates should provide a cover letter and CV, which should include a full list of publications and presentations. In the cover letter, applicants must specifically describe their role and experience in software development. Short-listed candidates will be asked to supply contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. All application materials and inquiries should be submitted via the CRESST II application portal: https://cresst2.breezy.hr/p/bdff5bb59da4
Appointment and Salary: The scientist will hold a UMCP faculty title of Postdoctoral Associate or Assistant Research Scientist with a competitive salary in the range of $83,000 - $110,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position is in-person with regular onsite work at GSFC required. A hybrid telework schedule may be considered. For more information about ACROSS and the position's responsibilities, contact Dr. Brian Humensky ([redacted]). For information on CRESST II orUMCP, including details of faculty appointments at UMCP, contact Dr. Tracy Huard ([redacted]).
Benefits Summary:For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
