Astrophysics: High-Energy Astronomy

About the role

The Astrophysics Branch at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) seeks applicants to contribute to various activities within the broad research portfolio of the group, which includes experimental, observational, and theoretical research in X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy; time domain and multi-messenger astronomy; gravitational wave data analysis and modeling; X-ray optics; and the development of detectors and technology for future high-energy astrophysics missions.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to ongoing NASA research projects at MSFC, NASA Headquarters, or a NASA-affiliated research institute.
• Engage in experimental, observational, and theoretical research in X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy.
• Support studies for future X-ray missions.
• Lead the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE).
• Provide project science and observatory support for the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
• Lead the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM).
• Lead StarBurst, a Pioneer class mission to detect high-energy gamma rays in conjunction with future gravitational wave detections of neutron star mergers.
• Lead SuperHERO, a balloon mission pioneering next-generation hard X-ray optics.
• Lead NASA’s contribution to data processing for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission.

Requirements

• A completed Doctoral degree in Astrophysics or a related field.
• Experience in X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy research.
• Strong background in observational, theoretical, and experimental research methods.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status, or applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with valid EAD card and I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status.
• Experience in X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy research.
• Strong background in observational, theoretical, and experimental research methods.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Skills

• Strong background in X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy research.
• Experience in observational, theoretical, and experimental research methods.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Benefits

• Unique research opportunities at NASA Centers and Headquarters.
• Competitive one- to three-year fellowships designed to advance NASA’s missions.
• Access to world-class facilities and resources.
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in the field.

Pay

Salary range: $65,000 - $100,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

Full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Contact Information

For questions about this opportunity, please email npp@orau.org.