NASA MSFC Research Astrophysicist, X-ray Optics and Instrumentation - Declaration of Interest

NASA’s George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) X-Ray Group in the Astrophysics Branch of the Science and Technology Office plans to hire an early- and mid/late-career Permanent-Hire research astrophysicists. Successful candidates are expected to conduct an independent program in the research, development, and testing of the next generation of X-ray optics and instrumentation, and to lead or support a thriving high-energy astrophysics research and analysis program. The X-ray Group is currently seeking declarations of interest via a submitted letter of interest and CV (see below). 

The X-Ray Astronomy Group has a long and rich history supporting mission development and implementation. Key missions that the Group is actively involved in include Chandra, SRG-ART – X-ray Concentrator (ART-XC), and the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). As NASA’s premiere Center for the development and test of full-shell X-ray optics, the Group is currently engaged in the development of X-ray optics for future strategic missions, including the next Great Observatory for X-ray Astronomy.

MSFC’s facilities to support this work are substantial and include state of the art polishing machines, X-ray sources, detector systems, precision vacuum stages, coating chambers, and precision metrology instrumentation. MSFC is also home to two world-class X-ray Beamlines: the 500 meter X-ray and Cryogenic Facility (XRCF) and the MSFC 100-m X-ray Beamline that have been used for calibration of multiple X-ray and normal-incidence mirrors and telescope systems, including Chandra and JWST. 

These are permanent civil servant positions. US Citizenship is required. Once the posting is open, applicants will apply through https://www.USAJOBS.gov. The delay between this request and the job posting is to allow for adequate community response. Enabling USAJOB alerts using the features of the website can notify interested candidates of the job opportunity opening. It is strongly suggested that the submitted application map closely to the position requirements.

Interested Applicants should send a letter stating their interest and a CV directed to Jessica Gaskin, X-Ray Group Astronomy Lead, Jessica.Gaskin@nasa.gov and ST12 Branch Chief, Katherine Chavis, katherine.m.chavis@nasa.gov. Those who respond will receive specific notification when the respective USAJOBS opportunity opens. Note that these documents are not required to apply for the job, but are strongly encouraged.