Astrophysics Institute Program Scientist [Observatory Operations Expert]

jobs • Baltimore, MD

88d • $170,000 - $210,000

About The Position

The Astrophysics Institute at Schmidt Sciences seeks an Observatory Operations Expert to join a growing team that supports the development and operation of astrophysics facilities. This role is designed for an expert in observatory operations—including commissioning, ConOps, scheduling, and long-term facility support—who will help ensure that cutting-edge telescopes and instruments deliver transformative science. The successful candidate will work closely with internal staff, grantee teams, and partner institutions to design, implement, and optimize operational strategies for ground- and space-based observatories. A central aspect of this role will be to design and prototype an Observatory Operations Center, creating a model for how potential philanthropic investment can strengthen the future of astrophysics infrastructure.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in observatory operations, telescope systems engineering, or equivalent high-availability facility operations.
• Demonstrated leadership in commissioning or managing complex astronomical facilities.
• Strong knowledge of scheduling, queue operations, and observatory software ecosystems.
• Proven ability to develop and implement operational strategies that maximize science productivity.
• Ability to work across interdisciplinary teams and partner organizations.
• Based at one of the Schmidt Sciences offices (Maryland, New York) with the ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing, prototyping, or establishing new operations centers, control rooms, or mission operations facilities.
• Hands-on expertise with telescope control systems, data management pipelines, and integration with archives.
• Background in IT infrastructure management, high-availability computing, or cloud-based observatory operations.
• Familiarity with requirements management, performance budgets, and system engineering practices.
• Track record of developing or implementing best practices in observatory or facility operations, especially in collaborative, multi-institutional settings.
• Experience leading or contributing to community-wide discussions, reviews, or convenings related to operations planning.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the in-house expert on observatory operations for large-scale astrophysics facilities.
• Lead efforts to design and prototype an Observatory Operations Center, including exploring architecture, technology stack, staffing models, and operational protocols.
• Develop operational strategies, scheduling frameworks, and support systems to maximize science productivity and efficiency.
• Contribute to and review observatory system designs, ensuring that operability, maintainability, and long-term sustainability are central considerations.
• Support commissioning and science readiness of new facilities and ensure smooth transition to steady-state operations.
• Establish best practices for reliable, community-focused observatory operations.
• Provide ongoing oversight and assessment of existing observatory projects, particularly around operations readiness.
• Identify opportunities for additional support, collaboration, or intervention to maximize science return.

Benefits

• $170,000 - $210,000 a year
• This is an exempt position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree