Description
The Space Telescope Science Institute invites applications for two research fellowship positions to start in 2022:

2022 Exoplanet Science Fellowship

The Exoplanet Science Fellowship provides three years of support for passionate and self-motivated postdoctoral researchers working on innovative scientific studies in any area of exoplanet research. STScl serves as the Science Operations Center for the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, supports the archives for Kepler/K2 and TESS and is supporting the development of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Preference will be given to applicants who take advantage of the opportunities afforded by data from these missions. Strong applications will address why the applicant wishes to work at STScl, highlight synergies with STScl’s goals, missions, research, and staff, describe examples of scientific leadership in the field of exoplanets or in the broader astronomical community, and explain how holding an Exoplanet Science Fellowship at STScl will support their scientific development and career goals.

2022 Giacconi Fellowship

The Giacconi Fellowship, named in honor of the first director of STScl and Nobel Prize winner Riccardo Giacconi and provides three years of support for passionate and self-motivated postdoctoral researchers in any field of astronomy, astrophysics, or planetary science. The research may be theoretical, observational, or instrumental. Strong applications will address why the applicant wishes to work at STScl, highlight synergies with STScl’s goals, missions, research, and staff, describe examples of scientific leadership in their field of expertise or in the broader astronomical community, and explain how holding a Giacconi Fellowship at STScl will support their scientific development and career goals.

Both fellowships include an annual salary of approximately $71,000, generous benefits, including some support for relocation, and $16,000 per year to cover research expenses. The selection will be based on the accomplishments and proposed research of the applicants. There are no restrictions on the date of PhD degree. The duration of each fellowship is three years contingent on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. Fellows are resident at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. More details on the Fellowships and past participants can be found at https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/fellowships/.

Applicants are expected to hold a PhD in astronomy, physics or a related field at the time of arrival, but there are no further restrictions on the date of PhD degree.

STScl is located near the campus of the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in Baltimore, MD. It maintains close connections with the JHU Physics and Astronomy Department and is a partner in the Pan-STARRS, Rubin Observatory LSST and SDSS V consortia. STScl values diversity and has mentoring programs and access to annual training programs. The research environment engages, stimulates and supports a diverse international research staff with over 100 members. Research projects (http://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research) span a wide range of topics and include extensive collaborations with researchers from other institutions. Researchers lead the organization of annual workshops and symposia, and participate in the activities of the very successful office of public outreach. Functionally, research staff members support the wider community through calibration and characterization of current and upcoming instrumentation, development of tools for analyses of archival holdings, and overall mission planning.

Questions about this opportunity should be sent to fellowships@stsci.edu. Applicants should submit the following materials in a single pdf file:

1. a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), that indicates whether the candidate is applying to the Giacconi Fellowship, Exoplanet Fellowship, or both .
2. a curriculum vitae and list of publications,
3. a research statement describing past, current and proposed research (maximum 4 pages).

Applicants should also submit the names of three individuals who can provide letters of reference on their behalf.

Please use ONLY this link to apply: https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/63039

The STScl on-line application portal will be activated on Monday, August 30, 2021. Applications received by Monday, October 25, 2021 11:59 pm will receive full consideration. Letters of reference will be requested upon receipt of a complete application and are due no later than Friday, October 29, 2021. Applicants should contact their letter writers separately, since applications will be given full consideration only when all references have been received.

Candidates will be notified of the results of the selection process by late January 2022. Fellowships will begin in the second half of 2022.

COVID Working Protocols : https://outerspace.stsci.edu/display/CWP

STScl embraces the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in creating a first-rate community. We reflect this deep dedication in strongly encouraging women, ethnic minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities. (Click here to learn more about how we foster Diversity & Inclusion.) Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu. EOE/ AA/M/F/D/V

As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, STScl does not discriminate because of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, or mental or physical handicap. Veterans, disabled or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)