• Scientist, Astronomy (Lisa)

    Universities Space Research Association (Huntsville, AL)


    USRA and the Science and Technology Institute are seeking a full-time scientist to work in our Huntsville, AL, office. This candidate will work supporting the NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) project to develop, implement, and operate data processing algorithms and pipelines as part of the NASA LISA Analysis Center (NLAC), and to conduct scientific investigations using LISA and complementary multimessenger data. The NLAC is part of NASA’s contribution to the ESA-led LISA mission, which aims to develop and operate the first space-based observatory of gravitational waves. The NLAC will develop and operate end-to-end data processing pipelines to convert telemetry from the LISA constellation into scientific data products suitable for conducting research in astrophysics, fundamental physics, and cosmology.

    Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

    + Candidate will contribute to the production and maintenance of open-source prototype software that meets the requirements of the NASA LISA Analysis Center (NLAC) for data science tasks in support of the mission

    + Candidate will contribute to MSFC status reports and provide subject matter expertise to the project in service of developing requirements for and interfaces within the Science Ground Segment.

    + Candidate will contribute input to MSFC in support of project level reviews, present results at relevant scientific conferences and project technical interchange meetings

    + Candidate will lead the publication of peer-reviewed articles describing the methods and demonstrating the capabilities of the prototype analysis software.

    Experience:

    + Candidate should be experienced in astrophysical data analysis.

    + Experience in gravitational wave astrophysics is desired but not required.

    **Education:** Ph.D. in physics, space science, Heliophysics, astrophysics, planetary science, or similar field.

    **Working Conditions:** This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. extensive online usage. This is largely a sedentary role.

    **Remote Working:** This position is not available for remote work. Candidate must be in the Huntsville, AL area.

    **Travel:** The potential exists to travel to other US government facilities and to national and international conferences and technical interchange meetings.

     

    Applicants should apply to the posting at Home | USRA (https://www.usra.edu/) Careers and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vitae. Additional information on USRA can be found at Home | USRA (https://www.usra.edu/)

     

    USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.