Post Doctoral Researcher in Transient Astrophysics

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is NASA’s science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI leads observation planning, data analysis, public engagement, and data archiving for flagship missions. Our staff spans astronomy, engineering, education, IT, communications, and administration—working together to bring space science to the world.

The Space Telescope Science Institute invites applications for one postdoctoral position in transient astrophysics. The successful applicant will be part of the Transient Science @ Space Telescope group (TS@ST, https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/research-groups/transient-science-space-telescope), a joint research group at STScI, which includes Drs. Melissa Shahbandeh, Ori Fox, Armin Rest, Russell Ryan, Lou Strolger, and a number of STScI staff scientists, postdocs and graduate students. The TS@ST group has broad scientific interests in transient science, including supernovae (SNe), cosmic dust, lensed supernovae, gravitational waves, tidal disruption events, and cosmology. Researchers will have access to data from APO, Pan-STARRS,  DECam, ATLAS, Gemini, Magellan, Keck, HST, Kepler, TESS, SDSS-V, ZTF-II, SEDMv2, Swift, Euclid, JWST, HST, and Roman.

Project Description
The successful candidate will work with Dr. Melissa Shahbandeh, an STScI Fellow who is leading 200 hours of JWST observing programs on supernovae and cosmic dust. Dr. Armin Rest, an associate astronomer at STScI, will serve as the advisor of record for this position. 

The primary goal of this position is to engineer a large-scale database to integrate both photometric and spectroscopic JWST observations of transient phenomena, especially supernovae. The scope of the scientific research supported by this database will be the formation and evolution of dust. The candidate will design, curate, and analyze the database so both engineering proficiency and domain-specific expertise are essential. 

A secondary, downstream goal will be the development of pipelines for data processing, quality assurance, and dissemination, as well as other science-ready tools for the broader community. This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge software infrastructure and astrophysical discovery, enabling the candidate to play a central role in shaping how the JWST transient/dust community accesses and interprets data. Also important is the willingness to take on new projects, learn new skills, create scientific publications, and work independently to bring these projects to fruition.

Candidates who meet a majority of the following qualifications would be a particularly good fit.

• Strong background in software engineering and modern database management (e.g., SQL, efficient data retrieval and storage, cloud storage/computing).
• The ability to develop user-friendly interfaces and visualization tools that enable efficient retrieval, modeling, and community use of the data.
• Proficiency in scientific programming in Python, including version control, testing, and documentation best practices.
• Experience with large and complex astronomical datasets, preferably from space-based missions.
• Prior experience with spectroscopy, ideally in the infrared.
• Expertise or interest in dust analysis (e.g., continuum fitting, molecular/dust features) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with JWST data formats, calibration, and reduction pipelines is a plus.
• Knowledge of radiative transfer modeling is a plus.
• Background in transients is welcome, but the highest priority will be given to candidates who can bring strong software and database expertise to enable efficient use of JWST data.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field prior to beginning their appointment.

Independent research in related areas may be permitted pending satisfactory progress. This position is for two years, with the possibility of a third year contingent upon performance and continued funding. 

Successful applicants will benefit from a career mentoring program at STScI, interactions with the Johns Hopkins University research staff, and a stimulating work environment rich in colloquia, journal clubs, symposia, and other learning opportunities related to the missions supported by STScI (HST, JWST, Roman, and MAST).

The nominal start date is Summer/Fall 2026. STScI, located on Johns Hopkins University Campus in Baltimore, Maryland, offers an excellent benefit package (including comprehensive healthcare and paid parental leave), competitive salaries, relocation assistance, and a stimulating work environment. STScI’s pay is commensurate to the year of Ph.D.

Please ONLY submit your application through:  https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/87224

The following materials are requested in a single PDF file: a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant expertise, curriculum vitae, publication list, and a summary of previous and current research (limited to 3 pages). Complete applications received by January 4, 2026, will receive full consideration. Applicants should arrange for three confidential letters of reference. Reference letters must be submitted by January 4, 2026 via the on-line application system. Reference #0015382

Questions regarding the scientific scope of the position, can be sent to mshahbandeh@stsci.edu. 

Individuals with questions about the application process or needing assistance with the employment process can contact careers@stsci.edu.