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Job Summary
IPAC, in the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division at Caltech, invites applications for a Scientist to serve as lead for the Science Affairs team at the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI). As a part of IPAC, the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (nexsci.caltech.edu) provides community support, science operations, analysis tools and archive services related to the discovery and characterization of planets beyond our solar system (exoplanets) using data from observatories in space and on the ground.
The NExScI science affairs team directly interacts with the exoplanet research community as well as the general astronomical community and serves as an important link between the exoplanet research community and NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program. The NExScI Science Affairs team is responsible for the management, in partnership with W. M. Keck Observatory, of the NASA Keck time, the management of the Sagan (exoplanet) portion of the NASA Hubble Fellowship Program, and the development and organization of NExScI-hosted scientific events. The Sagan Summer Workshop has been running for almost 25 years and now attracts more than 1400 participants from across the world. NExScI supports NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program at community conferences including the annual AAS and DPS meetings. NExScI is hiring a full-time scientist to lead the Science Affairs team. The Science Affairs lead will be an integral member of NExScI and contribute to the scientific direction of the science center, particularly from the point of view of community engagement.
Essential Job Duties
Your duties will include (but may not be limited to):
- Oversee the administration of NASA’s scientific use of the two 10-meter W. M. Keck Telescopes atop Maunakea.
- Oversee the scientific and logistical development, planning, and implementation of workshops and conferences hosted and supported by NExScI, including the annual fully hybrid Sagan Summer Workshop.
- Co-Lead the NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) in coordination with Space Telescope Science Institute and the Chandra X-ray Center as the Sagan Program lead.
- Represent NExScI at American Astronomical Society (AAS), Division of Planetary Sciences (DPS), and other exoplanet-related scientific conferences.
- Oversee NExScI’s engagement with the scientific community about opportunities associated with NExScI and other ExEP programs.
- Oversee NExScI’s coordination with NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program on science community events including new research opportunities.
- Leadership and management of the NExScI Science Affairs team.
- Conduct independent scientific research.
Basic Qualifications
If you have the following in your background, then we want to hear about your interest in joining our team:
- At least 5 years of experience after PhD in astronomy, planetary science, or a related discipline.
- Experience with observational astronomy.
- Experience organizing scientific conferences and/or meetings.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organization skills and the ability to multi-task.
Preferred Qualifications
Beyond these basic qualifications, there are skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute to the roles and responsibilities of the Science Affairs Lead Scientist. The following might give you a head-start here, but even if these do not describe you or your experience, we would still like to hear from you:
- Demonstrated leadership ability to work with scientists, administrative staff, and the science community.
- Personal program of astronomical research with a preference for exoplanet science.
- Experience managing work groups.
- Ability to work efficiently as part of a highly integrated team.
- Demonstrated familiarity with allocation of observing time and operations of major telescope facilities (ground and/or space).
- Demonstrated experience administering scientific proposal calls and facilitating workshops.
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Cover Letter.
- Names and contact information for 3 professional references.
- Complete applications submitted by June 14, 2024 will receive full consideration, but review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate has been identified.
People choose to work at IPAC for many reasons, and the casual, employee-centric culture often leads to fulfilling, long-term careers and positive relationships. Caltech’s benefits program offers a quality, competitive benefits package that is affordable for you and the Institute. We also offer a 403(b) defined contribution plan to eligible staff as well as a Voluntary Retirement Savings (TDA) Plan. IPAC staff have access to the Institute’s facilities, including the athletic center, libraries, on-site daycare, professional development and enrichment classes, and Athenaeum club membership.
