Research Scientist Position in LISA Data Analysis

CRESST II; Greenbelt (MD); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

CRESST II at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center invites applications for a research scientist position focused on gravitational wave data analysis and production deployment. You will contribute to the LISA team and the SGS data products, with interdisciplinary collaboration across GSFC, UMBC, and external partners.

The role emphasizes both independent research and mentorship of junior team members, with a retirement-renewable term and a requirement for a Ph.D. in the relevant field.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field by the date of appointment.
• Minimum of three years postdoctoral experience preferred.
• In-person or hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Develop gravitational wave data analysis algorithms and deploy them in production systems used for ground system testing and, eventually, flight data.
• Contribute to NASA SGS efforts through the development of algorithms and their deployment in production systems.
• Provide mentorship/leadership within small groups and interdisciplinary teams.

Skills

Gravitational wave data analysis

Full-stack software development

Leadership

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy or physics

Job description

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) project at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) invites applications for a research scientist position in the field of Gravitational Wave data analysis. Applicants should have a strong record of research in the development of algorithms for scientific data analysis and expertise in the technical disciplines of full-stack software development. Leadership skills including the ability to both manage and contribute within interdisciplinary teams are essential.

The successful applicant will join the LISA team at GSFC, which serves as the lead center for NASA's contribution to the mission. LISA is a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA which aims to develop the first space-based gravitational wave observatory and conduct science in the millihertz gravitational wave band in the 2030s. In addition to several instrument systems, NASA is contributing to LISA's Science Ground Segment (SGS), which will process the data from the observatory and develop scientific data products for use by researchers around the globe. The development of NASA's contributions to the SGS is a collaborative effort between researchers at GSFC, the Marshall Space Flight Center, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Additionally, the NASA team works closely with ESA and other European institutions as well as international researchers who are contributing to the SGS.

The successful applicant will contribute to the NASA SGS efforts through the development of gravitational wave data analysis algorithms and their deployment in production systems used for ground system testing and, eventually, flight data. The applicant is expected to contribute both individually and through mentorship/leadership of individuals and small groups.

Located in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC, GSFC is NASA's Center of Excellence for Earth and Space Science and is home to over 100 Ph.D. astronomers, including project teams for Fermi, XRISM, TESS, HST, JWST, Roman, and LISA. GSFC also hosts a large number of Earth scientists, Planetary scientists, and Heliophysicists as well as a workforce of engineers, managers, and support staff who design, develop, build, and operate science missions for NASA.

The position is for one year, renewable for up to three years upon mutual agreement and funding availability, and will be hired through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County on the CRESST II collaborative agreement with GSFC. The nominal starting date is in January 2027 , but alternate dates are possible depending on availability. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field by the date of appointment. A minimum of three years postdoctoral experience is preferred.

This position is planned for a salary range of $79,600 - $98,000. Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position is in-person or hybrid (some in-person, some remote). For more information about the proposed research, contact Dr. (James) Ira Thorpe (james.i.thorpe(at)nasa.gov). For information on CRESST II or UMBC, contact Dr. Don Engel (donengel(at)umbc.edu). UMBC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. EOE/M/F/D/V.