Astronomical Optics Scientist at The Space Telescope Science Institute (Baltimore, MD)
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a world-class, space-based astronomical observatory scheduled for launch in October 2018. It will revolutionize many branches of astrophysics by achieving unprecedented sensitivity and angular resolution in the near and mid-infrared. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) will operate JWST in partnership with NASA, ESA and CSA. As part of this responsibility STScI will have to ensure that the telescope with its 6.5m segmented primary mirror delivers the best possible images to carry out the science for which it was designed. This challenge will include the telescope’s commissioning and initial optical alignment after deployment, where the STScI optics team will play a central role at STScI’s Mission Operations Center.
To prepare for and execute the testing, commissioning and subsequent science operations, STScI is seeking an optical scientist who will provide technical and scientific expertise, and leadership for the characterization of JWST’s optical systems. The Astronomical Optics Scientist will perform physical optics modeling to predict telescope alignment and wavefront quality, and will be part of the optical wavefront sensing and mirror control operations at the Mission Operation Center. The Astronomical Optics Scientist will perform optical and scientific assessment of telescope performance, both using modeling and analysis of actual data, and will be part of the mirror control operations at the JWST Mission Operation Center. The Astronomical Optics Scientist’s expertise may also be utilized for the other missions STScI supports, such as the Hubble Space Telescope and WFIRST. Part of the work may also include investigating future space astronomy missions through modeling, analysis and laboratory work in STScI’s Russell B. Makidon Optics Laboratory, a state-of-the art optics laboratory dedicated to developing technologies for future space missions (including segmented aperture wavefront sensing and control, or high-contrast imaging).