Lasker Fellowship 2027

Space Telescope Science Institute; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Space Telescope Science Institute invites applications for the Lasker Data Science Prize Fellowship to start in Fall 2027. A three-year postdoctoral program supporting researchers applying data science to astronomy, astrophysics, or planetary science, including large databases, visualization, and ML.

Fellows receive about $84,875 annually, plus $18,000 per year for research expenses and relocation support. Fellows reside at STScI in Baltimore and must hold a PhD by commencement.

Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy, physics or a related field by start date.
• Experience applying data science methods to astronomical research.
• Strong research record and ability to pursue independent projects.

Responsibilities

• Pursue research using large astronomical datasets with data science methods.
• Develop and apply data visualization, ML and statistical tools to astronomical problems.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Data visualization

Image processing

Statistics methods

Data management

Education

PhD in astronomy/physics or related field

Tools

Data visualization tools

Image processing software

Statistical software

Job description

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScl) invites applications for the Lasker Data Science Prize Fellowship to start in Fall 2027. The Barry M. Lasker Data Science Postdoctoral Fellowship provides up to three years of support for postdoctoral researchers in any area of astronomy, astrophysics, or planetary science for whom data science is an integral part of their research. This includes scientific discovery achieved through the use and/or development of large astronomical databases, data visualization and discovery tools, image processing, data management, machine learning methods, and modern statistical methods. The growing size of modern datasets, such as large sky surveys, will increasingly require data science solutions or the interdisciplinary application of new data science methods to enable astronomical research. We particularly encourage applicants who are actively planning to exploit the massive influx of data from the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (Roman).

The Lasker Data Science Fellowship includes an annual salary of approximately $84,875, generous benefits, including some support for relocation, and $18,000 per year to cover research expenses. Lasker Fellows are resident at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. Applicants are expected to hold a PhD in astronomy, physics or a related field at the time of the commencement of the fellowship, including no further restrictions on the date of PhD degree. The selection will be based on the accomplishments and proposed research of the applicants, accounting for career stage and likely availability of resources.

Further information about all of our fellowship opportunities can be found at: https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/fellowships.

Applications received by Thursday, October 29, 2026 11:59pm EDT will receive full consideration.