Astronomer: Exoplanet & TESS Data Specialist

Smithsonian Institution; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

403b Retirement Plan

Job summary

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA seeks an Astronomer to join the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) follow-up efforts. The role focuses on confirming and characterizing exoplanet candidates, analyzing photometric and spectroscopic data, and preparing results for publication.

The incumbent will conduct independent research, develop new methods, and contribute to future mission planning with space telescopes such as ARIEL and JWST.

Qualifications

• Degree: in astronomy/physics/space science with calculus and astronomy/physics coursework
• Ph.D. or equivalent education/experience required for advanced level
• Strong background in exoplanet studies and data analysis

Responsibilities

• Confirm and characterize transiting planet candidates from NASA's TESS mission.
• Perform advanced data reduction and modeling using specialized software (EXOFASTv2).
• Prepare technical reports and papers with results for publication and presentation.
• Lead collaborative analyses to derive stellar parameters and exoplanet characteristics.

Skills

Astronomical data analysis

Photometry

Spectroscopy

EXOFASTv2

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy/physics/space science

Tools

EXOFAST

Job description

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA seeks an Astronomer to join the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) follow-up efforts. The role focuses on confirming and characterizing exoplanet candidates, analyzing photometric and spectroscopic data, and preparing results for publication.

The incumbent will conduct independent research, develop new methods, and contribute to future mission planning with space telescopes such as ARIEL and JWST.