Skip to main content

This job has expired

Science Software Support Technologist

Employer
Space Telescope Science Institute
Location
Baltimore, MD
Closing date
Mar 1, 2021
The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is the science operations center for several NASA missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the most famous space observatory in history. We also lead the science and mission operations for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), planned to launch in 2021 and will perform parts of the science operations for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. STScI is seeking aA' Science Software Support Technologist who would be responsible for assisting Institute staff in using software, with emphasis on assisting Institute astronomers in solving scientific computing problems and in installing and maintaining scientific software packages.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of using software tools in a scientific/technical environment including scientific data analysis, collaboration, publishing, office productivity, web, database, and software development.Experience with compilation, installation, maintenance, upgrade and licensing of software tools.Knowledge of astronomical research methods and software, including compilers, scripting languages (eg Python, shell), and data analysis packages (eg Matlab, IDL, Mathematica).Demonstrated expertise working in a multi-platform environment at the system administrator level (Linux, Mac, Windows), such as problems with file permissions, SSH keys, etc.Ability to diagnose problems and underlying causes, and to identify effective solutions and alternatives.Proven ability to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with astronomers, technical staff, management, vendors, etc.Ability to lead technical teams and provide reports to management.Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to present technical and policy issues to diverse audiences.Responsibilities Include:Primary responsibility for answering staff questions about application software, including third party and scientific software. Investigate and troubleshoot software issues reported by Institute staff and provide solutions, to include usage and alternatives. Work with software developers and vendors to document and resolve software problems.Select, build, package, distribute, and install scientific and related software on Linux, Mac, and Windows systems.Provide troubleshooting in all aspects of the Anaconda Python system, including installation, environment management, repository management, and software debugging.Provide troubleshooting in all aspects of the git version control system, including installation, environment management, repository management, and workflow debugging.Collaborate with Institute staff on appropriate software and hardware for astronomical data analysis.Recognize patterns and emerging needs in software and communicate these to management.Leverage the use of expertise outside of IT Services by effective documentation, communication of common techniques, and maintaining effective relationships with Institute astronomers, software developers, other staff and system administrators.Maintain software packages and documentation, including scientific software, and the IT Services software catalog and web pages.Assist in the evaluation and review of software packages.Participate in or lead technical teams investigating software.Investigate, analyze, and share knowledge of new and/or pertinent methodologies and tools.Work closely with the IT Project Scientist to identify and communicate current computing issues.Understand IT Services policies, security posture, roadmaps, strategic goals and communicate these effectively to staff. Occasionally: After-hours, holiday and weekend support is occasionally requiredEducation and Experience:Bachelor"s Degree in Astronomy, Computer Science, Physics, Math, or related field is required. Masters is desirable. Five year"s experience with application software support in a scientific or technical environment is required. Experience with astronomical oriented data analysis software is highly desirable. Note: Substitution of additional relevant education or experience for stated qualifications will be considered.STScI has all staff working virtually during the COVID-19 crisis. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will continue to interview and screen candidates in this new virtual landscape. Offers of employment can be extended and new hires will on-board virtually once they are resident in the Baltimore-Washington area. We will then ship systems to enable working virtually until it is safe to report to our Baltimore offices. Relocation benefits will be available to those eligible when travel can be supported.TO APPLY: Share your experience by completing an online application. Please upload one cover letter and resume on one PDF document for review. Applications received by January 22, 2021 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled. AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the workforce. Learn more at As a recipient of US Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements that are included for protection and to assist us in our record keeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential. STScI 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. Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at . EOE/AA/M/F/D/V Voted to the Baltimore Magazine Hall of Fame in 2020 A cents € " Top 25 Places to Work in Baltimore. 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)

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert