Nuclear Spectroscopy Staff Scientist
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Careers
Location
Laurel, MD | United States
Job description
Description
Do you want to become involved in groundbreaking research that will reveal new findings about asteroids and icy bodies of the outer solar system?
Can you imagine working in the next stage of lunar exploration where preparations are made to return human beings to the surface of the Moon?
Do you want to participate in groundbreaking physics research that can be applied to areas of spaceflight exploration?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team! The Small Bodies and Ocean Worlds Group of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, located in Laurel, MD, is seeking a Staff Scientist to carry out research and development, mission operations, and data analysis in planetary nuclear spectroscopy.
You will join a research team actively carrying out planetary nuclear spectroscopy projects at various levels of development, from proposal stage, to detailed instrument development & testing, to flight operation of already launched instruments.
As a Staff Scientist you will be involved in... - Detector development and implementation, modeling, analysis, and/or interpretation of orbital and/or landed gamma-ray and neutron spectroscopy data for various missions (e.g., Psyche, MMX, Dragonfly).
- Specific areas of planetary science study include understanding the surface composition of asteroids, Mars' moons, and outer planet targets.
- You will assist in the development and implementation of mission operations for current and future spaceflight instruments.
- You will have the opportunity to participate in, and play a leading role in the development of new instrumentation techniques and instrument and mission development proposals.
- In addition, you will play a role and lead efforts to carry out fundamental physics studies related to more accurately applying planetary nuclear spectroscopy measurements, and expanding the reach of nuclear spectroscopy techniques.
Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... - Possess a PhD in Physics, Nuclear Physics, or a related field.
- Have demonstrated expertise in radiation transport modeling, data analysis, and scientific interpretation of gamma-ray and/or neutron measurements.
- Have demonstrated experience in the design, building, modeling, and laboratory testing of gamma-ray and/or neutron detector systems and associated hardware, and show a willingness to carry out laboratory and spaceflight experimentation as part of a team of scientists and engineers.
- Show demonstrated expertise in the development and writing of proposals for spaceflight instrumentation.
- Have proven ability to obtain external funding for space-related research projects and are able to fund some portion of your work with existing grants/projects.
- Have strong oral and written communication skills.
- Are either a U.S. citizen or are able and willing to obtain a U.S. permanent resident card.
You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... - Have extensive experience with GEANT4 or MCNP radiation transport simulations.
- Are experienced doing open-source code development with Python, IDL, and/or C++.
- Have experience in the analysis and scientific interpretation of planetary nuclear spectroscopy data, particularly data stored in the NASA Planetary Data System.
- Have a willingness to work well within a small-team that carries out research projects in a fast-paced, collegial environment.
- Show an ability and willingness to work within larger multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers.
- Have experience working with nuclear data libraries.
- Have experience with business development and sponsor engagement in spaceflight and nuclear physics communities.
Be Part of Something Innovative
Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to "touch" the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation's national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.
APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun's influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors. To learn about these APL's mission and projects, and
Why work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at
About Us APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact
[email protected]. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.
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