Astronomer 
Responsibilities 
Duties will include the following: 
• Developing, and assisting in the development of, models and simulations pertaining to the meteoroid environment, including meteoroid structure/properties and the Solar System small bodies associated with meteoroids. 
• Analyzing observational data collected from telescopes, cameras, radiometers or other instrumentation. 
• Conducting observations of meteors and their parent bodies; monitoring the Moon for flashes caused by meteoroid impacts. 
• Presenting results to the NASA customer and at conferences. 
• Publishing results in the appropriate journals. 
• Delivering quick-turnaround characterizations of skyfall events to the MEO customer. 
Qualifications 
Qualifications: 
Must have received a Doctorate degree in Astronomy, Physics, or similar field from an accredited institution, along with having at least five years’ experience in said fields. 
The successful candidate MUST: 
• Have at least 2 first author publications in a peer-reviewed journal. 
• Have extensive experience coding in Python and be familiar with software tools such as Git. 
• Have a good knowledge of statistics. 
• Have some experience in operating telescopes or observational astronomy coursework. 
• Have strong customer relations skills. 
Have the ability to multi-task and transition between quick turnaround assignments. 
• Show initiative and be proactive to make connections and build relationships with key players on the tasks. 
• Demonstrate strong technical writing and presentation skills in order to present data to internal and external customers. 
• Demonstrate the capability to plan and perform analyses independently and within a team. 
• Research experience in Solar System small bodies is highly desired. 
  
Essential functions: 
Requires sitting for extended periods in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (70%), and sitting at an observatory to conduct overnight astronomical observations (5%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and Jacobs facilities (10%). Potential exists to travel to other US government facilities and to conferences (5%). 
  
Other Essential Functions: 
The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others. 
  
Education – BA Degree + 20 years exp OR PhD + 10 years of exp.   
 

To apply for this job please visit orbiterrecruiting.com.