Scientific Software and Operations Coordination Scientist
Ora
Summary
The successful applicant will join the Astrophysics Cross-Observatory Science Support (ACROSS) team onsite at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), as an employee and faculty member of the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), through the CRESST II cooperative agreement. This unique dual-role position works closely with multiple missions to enable seamless multi-mission joint observing and offers the opportunity to shape the future of multi-mission coordination while delivering immediate scientific value to the astronomy community. This position is full time, with up to 20% of time available for independent research.
Job description
Primary Responsibilities
- Scientific Software Development: Contribute to ACROSS's open-source software ecosystem by developing and maintaining APIs, web applications, and Python packages that enable multi-mission coordination and time-domain astrophysics workflows.
- Joint Program Coordination: Serve as primary scientific contact for observers with approved multi-mission/joint observing programs, coordinating implementation across participating missions and resolving scheduling conflicts.
- Technical Requirements Gathering: Identify coordination bottlenecks and interoperability challenges during operational support activities, translating these into well-defined software requirements and feature requests for the ACROSS data system.
- Science Validation & Testing: Design and execute scientific validation tests for ACROSS tools, ensuring they meet the practical needs of astronomers pursuing time-domain and multi-messenger observations across multiple facilities.
- Community Technical Support: Provide expert scientific and technical assistance to observers using ACROSS tools for joint program planning, implementation, and data analysis, serving as the bridge between scientific users and technical systems.
- Documentation & Knowledge Transfer: Create and maintain user-facing scientific documentation, tutorials, and examples that demonstrate best practices for multi-mission coordination using ACROSS tools and services.
- Mission Interface Support: Work directly with mission General Observer Facility representatives to ensure smooth coordination of responsibilities for joint programs, establish standardized handoff processes, and maintain scientific integrity throughout implementation.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field.
- At least two years of experience, since earning the Ph.D., with time-domain and multi-messenger astrophysics observations, preferably including target of opportunity observations across multiple facilities.
- Proven experience in software development within astronomy/astrophysics research environments.
- Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries.
- Proficiency in Python scientific programming and data analysis workflows.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with NASA mission operations, general observer programs, or telescope time allocation processes.
- Familiarity with observation planning tools, scheduling systems, or proposal management software.
- Experience coordinating multi-facility observations or participating in large-scale astronomical collaborations.
- Technical experience with web application development (JavaScript, Node.js, Svelte or React).
- Background working in agile software development environments with requirements gathering responsibilities.
- Experience with proposal review processes or time allocation committees for major astronomical facilities.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific workflows into technical requirements.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field
- At least two years of post-Ph.D. experience with time-domain and multi-messenger astrophysics observations
- Proven experience in software development within astronomy/astrophysics research environments
- Strong communication skills and ability to work across organizational boundaries
- Proficiency in Python scientific programming and data analysis workflows
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Up to 20% independent research time
- Hybrid telework may be considered
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.