Postdoctoral position in Transient and Multi-messenger Astronomy Data Science

Job Description

The General Coordinates Network (GCN) Project and High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) invite applications for postdoctoral research positions in the fields of transient and/or multi-messenger astrophysics. Applicants should have a strong astrophysics research track record and deep expertise in the technical disciplines of full-stack software development, data visualization, React, TypeScript, and Python. Experience in Apache Kafka and cloud computing would also be beneficial.

The successful applicant will join the GCN team, who operate NASA’s time-domain and multimessenger transient alert system. We envision the postdoc will contribute to the technical development of GCN, serve as the primary interface to observatories who are onboarding to distribute alerts through GCN, and help to moderate GCN Circulars and the GCN helpdesk. They will have a central role in shaping Goddard’s multi-messenger science output. This position includes approximately 40% of the applicant’s time to devote to their own research projects, which we encourage to be aligned with the science topics enabled by GCN and data from Goddard supported missions.

GSFC is home to over 100 Ph.D. astronomers, including project teams for Swift, Fermi, TESS, HST, JWST, and Roman, as well as ample computational resources. GSFC is also a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. Through the Joint Space-Science Institute (JSI), GSFC is a partner in the Zwicky Transient Facility project.

The position is for one year, renewable for up to three years upon mutual agreement and funding availability, and will be hired through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County on the CRESST II collaborative agreement with GSFC. The nominal starting date is in September 2026, but alternate dates are possible depending on availability. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field by the date of appointment.

This position is in-person or hybrid (some in-person, some remote). For more information about the proposed research, contact Dr. Judith Racusin (judith.racusin@nasa.gov). For information on CRESST II or UMBC, contact Dr. Don Engel (donengel@umbc.edu). UMBC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. EOE/M/F/D/V.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation Type: Salary
Compensation Range: $78,400–$83,500 USD

Included Benefits
UMBC offers a rich benefits package. Benefits offered align with the position type and may be prorated based on hours per week.

• Paid Leave
• Tuition Remission
• Medical, Prescription, and Dental Insurance
• Retirement plans
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities & much more

See the benefits summary for detailed information: 12 Month Faculty Benefits Summary.

Application Details

Application Instructions
Candidates should provide a cover letter, CV (including publication list), and a statement of research interests. Short-listed candidates will be asked to supply three letters of reference at a later date. Completed applications received by Friday, May 22, 2026, will receive full consideration. All application materials and inquiries should be sent through the Online Application Page.