Astrophysics Institute Program Scientist

Summary

The Astrophysics Institute at Schmidt Sciences seeks an instrumentation expert to join a growing team that supports the development of astrophysics technology concepts. This role provides the opportunity to drive innovation in astrophysics instrumentation and contribute to the strategic development of new scientific resources. The successful candidate will work closely with experts in the field, play a critical role in major upcoming projects, and advance astronomical discoveries through selection of novel instrumentation and strategic program development.

Schmidt Sciences

Schmidt Sciences is a philanthropy dedicated to fostering the advancement of science and technology. We approach this by identifying under-supported or unconventional areas of exploration and discovery in order to accelerate and deepen our understanding of the natural world and develop solutions to global issues.

We seek ideas, people, and techniques across disciplines of science and technology to catalyze results for society. Our focus areas include AI and Advanced Computing, Astrophysics and Space, Biosciences, Climate, and Cross-Science programs.

The Astrophysics Institute at Schmidt Sciences aims to rapidly expand our knowledge of the universe through the creation of innovative hardware and software platforms. This includes the development of computational tools and frameworks, ground and space-based instrumentation, and the promotion of fresh approaches to technological advancement that develop resources at a fraction of the typical time and cost.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of the Astrophysics Institute at Schmidt Sciences (hereafter “the Institute”), the Program Scientist will join a growing team to contribute to existing astrophysics programs and explore the creation and management of new programs and resources for the scientific community.

Key Responsibilities

The Program Scientist’s role would include the following elements of the Institute’s work. The specific responsibilities would be developed jointly by the individual and their manager and may change from time to time.

A) Instrument Scientist (about 70% time)

This person would serve as the in-house expert on instrumentation across a broad range of projects under construction and consideration.

Responsibilities Include:

• Serving as a key liaison between the Institute and grantee teams building instruments or observatories

• Building scientific performance budgets and ensure facility capabilities support science objectives

• Contributing to, or planning, commissioning and operation of new facilities in discussion with relevant teams

• Playing a key role in the facility design review process, following best practices from NASA/NSF and industry

B) Strategic Program Development

The Institute has a few explorations ongoing at any given time, focused on understanding the highest and best use of philanthropy in specific areas of astrophysics, from identifying potentially transformative technology to increasing the quality of the workforce.

Responsibilities include:

• Working with team members to develop new programs that might support technology, talent, or specific future pathways for the field

• Designing and organizing effective convenings around strategic program goals, including community building and accelerating science outcomes

• Acting as a conduit for bringing in innovative ideas and perspectives from the astrophysics community, actively engaging with experts to identify emerging trends and opportunities for collaboration

C) Program Management and Gift/Grant Support

A part of this role also includes oversight, assessment, and recommendations related to current large hardware projects.

Responsibilities Include:

• Coordinating and maintaining communication with grantee PIs and research teams to track progress and challenges faced over the duration of the award

• Periodically assessing if additional or different kinds of support could be necessary or beneficial 

• Assessing the effectiveness and impact of current astrophysics programs, grants, and gifts, utilizing metrics and analysis to measure success and inform strategic decision-making

• Ph.D. degree or equivalent from an accredited university in Astronomy & Astrophysics or a closely related field
• Demonstrated track record of scientific accomplishments, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, patents, successful grant applications, or contributions to innovative research projects, ensuring the ability to bring expertise and insights to advance scientific objectives
• At least 5 years of work experience in academia, industry, government or private labs following their PhD
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and a record of impact in high-intensity, team-based environments
• The highest integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Based at any of the Schmidt Sciences offices in either New York, Maryland, Arizona, or Virginia and able to travel within the U.S. and internationally on a regular basis as needed

• Experience building facility-class instruments or hardware subsystems for major astronomical observatories
• Strong knowledge of optical design and optomechanical systemsProficiency in requirements management, system engineering budgets, and interface definition
• Expertise in scientific performance or error budget developmentExpertise with detector handling and characterization (including CCDs, CMOS, or other)
• Hands-on experience with instrument AI&T, including alignment, performance testing, and environmental testing
• Expertise with instrument or telescope commissioning and/or operations

Schmidt Sciences, is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.