Visualization Software and Data Specialist

American Museum of Natural History; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Museum of Natural History in New York seeks a Visualization Software and Data Specialist to join the Astrophysics department and help build immersive data experiences for planetarium and research settings.

You will transform complex astrophysical and biological datasets into interactive visualizations, contribute to pipelines for rendering and real-time exploration, and support storytelling through scientific visualization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific or computational field.
• Strong programming in C++, Python, OpenGL or related visualization tech.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and visualization workflows.
• Familiarity with large datasets, GPU rendering and real-time visualization.
• Interest in astronomy, astrophysics or planetary science.

Responsibilities

• Aid in development of immersive data experiences for planetarium and research settings.
• Transform complex datasets into interactive visual experiences with scientists.
• Integrate astrophysical, planetary and biological datasets into visualization frameworks.
• Contribute to software pipelines for rendering, interaction, and data exploration.
• Design and implement new visualization techniques for dome-based displays.
• Support scientific storytelling and exploratory research visualization projects.

Skills

C++

Python

OpenGL

Generative AI

Scientific visualization

Data analysis

GPU rendering

Real-time visualization

Immersive environments

Astronomy interest

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific or computational field

Master’s degree or PhD in a scientific or computational field

Job description

Visualization Software and Data Specialist

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

The Astrophysics department is seeking a full-time Visualization Software and Data Specialist to join a collaborative team working at the intersection of astrophysics, immersive visualization, and public scientific discovery.

Job Duties

• Aid in the development of immersive data experiences (covering astrophysics and biology) for planetarium and research environments.
• Work collaboratively with scientists and visualization team members to transform complex datasets into interactive visual experiences.
• Integrate astrophysical, planetary, and biological datasets into immersive visualization frameworks.
• Contribute to software pipelines for rendering, interaction, and large‑scale data exploration.
• Participate in the design and implementation of new visualization techniques for dome‑based and immersive displays.
• Support scientific storytelling and exploratory research visualization projects.

The expected salary range for the Visualization Software and Data Specialist is $70,000/annual – $80,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. Pay will be determined based on several factors, including skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, specialization, and depth and scope of experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific or computational field.
• Strong programming experience in one or more of the following: C++, Python, OpenGL, or other related scientific visualization technologies.
• Familiarity with generative AI (e.g., Claude, Codex, Copilot) as an assist to coding projects.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and visualization workflows.
• Familiarity with large datasets, GPU rendering, real‑time visualization, or immersive environments.
• Interest in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, biology, and/or scientific computing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in a scientific or computational field.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.

EEO Statement

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre‑employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.