Lasker Fellowship 2027

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 76,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Research expenses

Job summary

Space Telescope Science Institute (STScl) invites applications for the Lasker Data Science Prize Fellowship to begin Fall 2027 at its Baltimore campus. The three-year fellowship funds postdoctoral researchers in astronomy, astrophysics, or planetary science where data science is central to the work.

Selected Fellows receive an annual salary of about $84,875, relocation support, and $18,000 yearly for research expenses. Applicants must hold a PhD and may be asked for references during the process.

Qualifications

• PhD completed by start of fellowship or within the expected date of commencement.
• Strong background in astronomy, physics or related field and data-driven research

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research using large astronomical datasets.
• Develop and apply data science methods to astronomical problems.
• Collaborate with STScI teams to advance frontier science and publish results.

Skills

Data analysis

Machine learning

Scientific programming

Education

PhD in astronomy, physics or related field

Tools

Python

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.

Questions about this opportunity should be sent to [e-mail]. The STScl on-line application portal will be activated on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Applications received by Thursday, October 29, 2026 11:59pm EDT will receive full consideration. Letters of reference will be requested only for long-listed candidates. Applicants will be requested to provide names and contact information for three references in the application process. We anticipate requesting letters on Thursday, December 10, 2026, with a deadline of Thursday, December 17, 2026.