Senior Radio Astronomy Scientist & Observatory Lead

Schmidt Sciences; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Schmidt Sciences’ Astrophysics Center in the United States seeks an experienced radio astronomer to guide the development, commissioning, and operation of next-generation facilities within the Schmidt Observatory System. The role emphasizes leadership in interferometry, collaboration across multi-institution teams, and advancing surveys and instrumentation for ambitious scientific goals.

Domestic and international travel may be required; residency at a Schmidt Sciences office in Maryland, New

Qualifications

• PhD in Astronomy or Astrophysics.
• At least 10 years of post-PhD experience.
• Proven scientific leadership in a major radio astronomy collaboration.
• Extensive experience with radio interferometry and large arrays.
• Broad understanding of instrumentation, calibration, imaging, data processing.
• Ability to work across large multi-institutional teams.
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical expertise across the Center's observatory portfolio.
• Collaborate with partner institutions on design, construction, commissioning, and operation of major facilities.
• Evaluate capabilities, milestones, and commissioning activities to meet scientific objectives.
• Review survey strategies, calibration approaches, data products, and software plans.
• Coordinate scientific reviews with internal staff and external experts.
• Oversee the Center's gifts and grants in radio astronomy, monitoring progress and impact.
• Represent the Center in technical reviews, scientific meetings, and collaborations.
• Build collaborative relationships with partner institutions and the broader community.
• Advise leadership on priorities and future facility concepts.

Skills

Radio astronomy

Radio interferometry

Scientific leadership

Multi-institution collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics

Tools

Calibration pipelines

Survey data processing

Instrumentation

Job description

Schmidt Sciences’ Astrophysics Center in the United States seeks an experienced radio astronomer to guide the development, commissioning, and operation of next-generation facilities within the Schmidt Observatory System. The role emphasizes leadership in interferometry, collaboration across multi-institution teams, and advancing surveys and instrumentation for ambitious scientific goals.

Domestic and international travel may be required; residency at a Schmidt Sciences office in Maryland, New