Data Scientist (Astrobiology)

Blue Marble Space • Washington, DC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Blue Marble Space, in partnership with the Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL) at the Carnegie Institution for Science and NASA Ames Research Center, is seeking a data scientist interested in the intersection of data science and astrobiology. The successful applicant will join the NASA-funded Interdisciplinary Consortia for Astrobiology Research (ICAR) project, “Advancing Multi-Messenger Biosignature Techniques using Machine Learning,” and work across a variety of areas within the effort. The role applies data science skills to planetary science and astrobiology, including in-situ sample analysis measurements of chemical and molecular composition.

The position is supervised by Dr. Anirudh Prabhu and involves working with ICAR project members, including Dr. Caleb Scharf (NASA Ames) and Dr. Michael Wong (Carnegie EPL). It is a full-time, two-year position based at the Broad Branch Road campus of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC. It is not remote. The position will commence on or after January 10, 2027. Starting salary is $70,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience. Applicants must already be authorized to work in the USA; relocation funds are not available.

Applicants should submit a CV, contact information for three references, and a cover letter discussing their interests and relevant research experience. Application review begins December 15, 2026 and continues until the position is filled.

Requirements

• At minimum, an undergraduate degree in computer science, data science, geoinformatics, geoscience, or planetary science.
• Proficiency in coding languages such as R, Julia, or Python.
• Demonstrated experience in data science, machine learning, data visualization, and information modeling.
• Interest in applying science skills to planetary science and astrobiology.
• Ability to work effectively with astrobiologists, geologists, planetary scientists, informaticians, and data curators.
• Existing authorization to work in the USA.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with data management.
• Familiarity with software development best practices, including version control such as Git.

Responsibilities

• Work on the NASA-funded ICAR project, “Advancing Multi-Messenger Biosignature Techniques using Machine Learning.”
• Apply data science skills to planetary science and astrobiology, including analysis of in-situ sample measurements of chemical and molecular composition.
• Work effectively with astrobiologists, geologists, planetary scientists, informaticians, and data curators.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time