Astrophysics Institute Visiting Scientist [High Contrast Imaging Specialist]
Baltimore, MD / New York, NY / Tuscon, AZ
Schmidt Sciences – Astrophysics /
Fixed Term /
Hybrid
Schmidt Sciences is a nonprofit organization founded in 2024 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt that works to accelerate scientific knowledge and breakthroughs with the most promising, advanced tools to support a thriving planet. The organization prioritizes research in areas poised for impact including AI and advanced computing, astrophysics, biosciences, climate, and space—as well as supporting researchers in a variety of disciplines through its science systems program.
The Astrophysics Institute at Schmidt Sciences invites applications for a 12–24 month Visiting Scientist position focused on high-contrast imaging instrumentation, such as coronagraphy and starlight suppression systems, for astronomical applications. This role is designed for experts in coronagraph design, fabrication, integration, and testing with a deep understanding of wavefront control techniques and optical systems. Visiting Scientists will divide their time across a portfolio of projects, working closely with internal staff and external grantee teams to support the development and deployment of ground- and space-based observatory and instrument concepts. Both postdoctoral fellows (Visiting Scientist) and senior staff on sabbatical (Distinguished Visiting Scientist) will be considered for this position.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of the Astrophysics Institute at Schmidt Sciences (hereafter “the Institute”), the Visiting Scientist will join a growing team to contribute to existing astrophysics programs and explore the creation and management of new hardware and facilities for the scientific community.
The specific responsibilities of the role would be developed jointly by the individual and their manager and may change from time to time, but will include the following key elements:
Coronagraph Specialist (Approx. 80% time)
- Serve as the Institute’s principal authority on coronagraph systems for high-contrast imaging in astronomy
- Lead end-to-end coronagraph development initiatives, including concept generation, optical design, error budgeting, laboratory testbed validation, integration, and commissioning
- Direct and oversee implementation of coronagraph technologies within ground- and space-based telescope systems, engaging with both internal teams and external partners
- Evaluate and advise on facility and instrumentation design reviews, ensuring coronagraph performance meets science objectives and wavefront stability requirements
- Provide technical leadership and structured guidance to Institute team members on high-contrast imaging methodologies
- Shape strategic priorities for coronagraphy and wavefront control research and development within the Institute’s technology programs
Astrophysics Research (Approx. 20% time)
- Independently conduct scientific investigations aligned with observatory capabilities and the Institute’s research goals
- Disseminate research findings through presentations and/or publications in the broader scientific community, consistent with professional standards
Required Qualifications
- A Ph.D. degree or equivalent from an accredited university in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field
- At least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent professional experience in academia, industry, government, or private laboratories
- Demonstrated hands-on expertise in the design, modeling, and validation of coronagraph systems
- Advanced knowledge of wavefront sensing and control technologies (e.g., deformable mirrors, electric field conjugation)
- Documented record of significant technical contributions and/or leadership in coronagraph development projects
- Proven ability to operate autonomously and make informed decisions while working with interdisciplinary teams
- Willingness to be based at one of the Schmidt Sciences offices (Maryland, Arizona, or New York) and to travel domestically and internationally as required
Desired Qualifications
- Experience directing the integration of coronagraphs into operational astronomical observatories
- Proficiency in using optical simulation software (e.g., Zemax, POPPY, FRED) and applying systems engineering principles
- Background in managing large-scale instrumentation programs involving high-contrast imaging testbeds or flight systems
$155,000 - $185,000 a year
This role requires access to U.S. export controlled information. Candidates must be a U.S. person (i.e. a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident, or a legal asylee or refugee) OR receive approval from the U.S. Government to work with U.S. export controlled information.
This is an exempt role.
