Cosmic-ray Instrument Scientist at Goddard Space Flight Center

The Astroparticle Physics Laboratory at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is seeking a research astrophysicist with expertise in building large-area, multiple component particle detector systems, in particular those using Cherenkov radiation detectors or silicon-strip detectors, to support the TIGERISS mission.

The planned position is for a Research Astrophysicist (civil service scientist) Term Hire not to exceed 2 years with the option to extend to a maximum of 6 years. 

TIGERISS is an Astrophysics Pioneer mission led by Washington University in St. Louis that aims to increase understanding of how the Galaxy produces and distributes the elements. The TIGERISS team will build an instrument to be flown and operated on the International Space Station to measure the individual element abundances of cosmic-ray nuclei from Boron to Lead. Goddard Space Flight Center contributions include leadership of the silicon detector system and electronics and support for instrument integration, data acquisition, operations and data analysis.

The selected individual will work with members of the TIGERISS team at Goddard to contribute to construction, assembly and testing of components and instrument systems. Duties will include integration and evaluation of electronic readout systems, board-level testing with vendor or custom software, and data collection, analysis, and simulation studies to define the performance of the instrument. The role requires experience with using analog and digital electronics and knowledge of laboratory practices, techniques, and testing procedures used with high-energy cosmic-ray detectors. Applicants should demonstrate a record of research excellence in particle physics or astrophysics as evidenced by refereed publications and professional presentations. Candidates comfortable with working in a collaborative team environment made up of scientists, engineers, project management and support staff are encouraged to apply. While support for TIGERISS is the primary focus for this position, the employee will have opportunities to propose self-directed research on cosmic-ray instrumentation and analysis or other areas of astroparticle physics.

The application will be a 2-step process. The first phase seeks declarations of interest in this position. The second phase will be a USAJOBS posting. Those who respond during Phase 1 will receive notification when the anticipated USAJOBS opportunity opens. Phase 1 is strongly encouraged and Phase 2 is required for consideration.

The position will reside at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC.  

US citizenship is required at the time of the USAJOBS application.  Those who are expecting U.S. citizenship by the time of the Phase 2 opportunity are encouraged to submit materials during Phase 1, even if they do not yet have their U.S. citizenship. A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy or a related field is preferred. The planned appointment is for an early career GS-13 position.

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Elizabeth Hays ([email protected]) by May 23, 2024, to be notified when the USAJOBS opportunity opens.  Inquiries about the position may be addressed to Dr. John Krizmanic at [email protected].  Application material will be required in Phase 2 at a later date via the USAJOBS website.

NASA GSFC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.