Gehrels Swift Multimessenger Mission Support Scientist position at NASA GSFC

The Astroparticle Physics Laboratory of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center plans to hire a civil service research astrophysicist to join the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory team. This position provides an opportunity for a role in a NASA mission critical to time-domain and multi-messenger astrophysics (TDAMM), science areas highlighted in the 2020 Decadal Survey.

The successful applicant will lead the Swift Data Center, with responsibilities including oversight of the Swift processing pipeline (including all 3 on-board instruments, the BAT, XRT, and UVOT), interfacing with the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center for archiving of Swift data products, and answering questions from the community about data products, data analysis, and Guest Investigator proposals.

The successful applicant is expected to conduct an independent program of research in an area relevant to Swift science with an emphasis on time-domain and/or multimessenger astrophysics. The candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of future TDAMM mission concepts and infrastructure that respond to decadal survey recommendations.

A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy or a related field is highly desirable and U.S. citizenship is required. As part of their past experience applicants should demonstrate a strong record of research excellence in astrophysics as evidenced by refereed publications, oral presentations, and successful grant applications. While research achievements and potential will be part of the evaluation criteria, we emphasize that these need not be ongoing efforts and encourage applicants from a diverse set of career paths. In addition, a background in pipeline and/or software development is desirable. The planned appointment is for a GS-13 (early career) position with salary commensurate with the applicant’s past experience.

Interested applicants should send: 1) a CV; 2) a brief statement (or statements) of research interests, diversity, equity and inclusion interests, and mission support/development interests; and, 3) a list of at least 3 references to Dr. Brad Cenko (brad.cenko@nasa.gov) by September 12, 2022. We encourage questions about the position to the aforementioned address as well. Additional application materials will be required through the USAJobs website at a later date.

Application Deadline: Friday, September 30, 2022

Selection Deadline: Monday, October 3, 2022