GSFC/TESS Mission Support Scientist - CRESST II
Ora
Summary
Applications are now being accepted for a mission support scientist to contribute to the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) team, resident within the Astrophysics Science Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The mission support scientist will support the breadth of TESS scientific communities research activities and the development of scientific user tools for the TESS General Investigator program.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Assist with the peer review for the annual call for proposals as part of the General Investigator proposals
- Staff the TESS Help Desk along with the rest of the TESS Science Support Center team
- Maintain the Science Support Center's website and existing user tools
- Develop new user tools to enable broad participation in TESS science
- Support community focused initiatives including workshops, seminar series, and more
- Conduct scientific research with TESS data
Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, or closely related field, with at least two years of demonstrated experience since earning the Ph.D. in high-precision photometric data analysis, time-series analysis, light-curve modeling and/or TESS science. Applicants must have strong software development skills and familiarity with Python/AstroPy and GitHub. Excellent collaboration and communication skills, along with demonstrated ability to function well as a member of a team, are essential. A demonstrated ability to serve as a professional representative of a major project and additional experience with science support roles or web development are desirable but not required.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, or closely related field
- At least two years of demonstrated experience since earning the Ph.D. in high-precision photometric data analysis, time-series analysis, light-curve modeling and/or TESS science
- Strong software development skills
- Familiarity with Python/AstroPy and GitHub
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to function well as a member of a team
- Ability to serve as a professional representative of a major project (desirable)
- Experience with science support roles or web development (desirable)
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Faculty appointment at UMCP
- Two-year initial term with extension possibility
Company overview
Ora is the world's leading full-service ophthalmic drug and device development firm, operating as a specialized contract research organization (CRO) focused exclusively on ophthalmology. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company has over 45 years of experience in advancing eye care innovations globally. Ora provides comprehensive research and development services spanning preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory strategy, and product development for both pharmaceutical and medical device companies. With operations across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia, the company has helped clients achieve more than 85 product approvals to date. Ora's expertise covers a wide range of ophthalmic conditions including allergy, dry eye, retina diseases, glaucoma, and anti-infective therapies. The company employs over 500 ophthalmology specialists who utilize proprietary clinical models, integrated data solutions, and global regulatory strategies to accelerate product development from concept to market. Ora serves a diverse client base ranging from startups to global pharmaceutical and device companies, positioning itself as the trusted partner for ophthalmic innovation worldwide.