Space Telescope Science Institute

We are the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy. We help humanity explore the universe with advanced space telescopes and ever-growing data archives.

Established in 1981, we have helped guide the most famous observatory in history, the Hubble Space Telescope.  Since its launch in 1990, we have performed the science operations for Hubble. We also lead the science and mission operations for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which launched on December 25, 2021. We will perform parts of the science operations for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, in formulation for launch in late 2026, and we are partners on several other NASA missions. Our staff conducts world-class scientific research; our Barbara A. Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST) curates and disseminates data from over 20 astronomical missions; and we bring science to the world through internationally recognized news, education, and public outreach programs. We value our diverse workforce and civility in the workplace, and seek to be an example for others to follow.

Our Culture -  We recognize that the contemplation of the universe and its wonders must be accessible to everyone. Engaging a range of professionals who have diverse backgrounds and a variety of viewpoints allows us to produce better science at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). Our differences do not hinder us; they are sources of enrichment for our scientific missions. Giving people a seat at the table and a voice empowers not only individuals, but all of us.

Our Work -   Positions at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) are varied—from astronomers, scientists, and engineers to support staff, public outreach professionals, and educators—which is why it is essential to build a collaborative, inclusive environment where people from a variety of backgrounds can continue to learn, engage, and connect.

Our Benefits - We believe the success of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is based on the exceptional contributions of our staff. The health and well-being of our employees and those who support them are essential. '

Contact our recruiting team!

Christine Rueter:  rueter@stsci.edu

Dawn Costigan: dcostigan@stsci.edu 

Click the link below to view or download information about our current career and internship opportunities!  

Sign up for our mailing list to receive occasional emails about new and exciting opportunities at STScI!   http://eepurl.com/dgu07H

Full time opportunities

Current Full Time Opportunities - visit our job board for current openings at STScI!

• Staff Scientist Opportunities- #0005601

  - Share the thrill of space exploration! This is a phenomenal opportunity for a stable long-term career in astronomy with an established technical career path and advancement potential. Candidates hired into these positions do not have contractual research time but may have the option to buy back up to a fraction of their time as per Institute policy to pursue independent grant-funded research. Opportunities exist for becoming involved in ground breaking astronomical research by working on projects with our world-renowned research staff.    You have a degree in astronomy, physics, astrophysics, planetary science, mathematics, aerospace engineering, or a related field. These positions are open to individuals with varying levels of education but require 5+ years of experience. Degrees up to and including a PhD will be considered. Salary will be commensurate with your education and experience.   Please only use this link to apply:  https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/69964
• Hear directly from our staff scientists and learn more about this role!  Watch video testimonials here:   Staff Scientist Testimonial 1   and here  Staff Scientist Testimonial 2

• Roman Mission Head- #0005786 -

  • As Mission Head, you will lead the Roman Mission office team and own the overall strategy for implementing Roman science at STScI. You will be the Institute’s prime point of contact with the Project at Goddard Space Flight Center, the Roman Science Support Center at IPAC, and other cooperating organizations. With the Institute Director, you will be an advocate for the community’s scientific stake in the success of the mission to NASA and to relevant national advisory committees. You will engage the scientific community and the general public throughout the pre- and post-launch phases. You will oversee the efforts of the Institute’s Roman Mission Office in preparing the Institute for science operations of one of the most important astronomy missions of the next decade

• Associate Science Operations Analyst I -

  • The Associate Science Operations Analyst I will support the development, implementation and flight preparation of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observing programs.

Postdoctoral Research Opportunities 

Post-Doctoral Researcher in UV & Optical Observations- #0007285 - The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher position to work with Dr. Bethan James and collaborators, including Drs. Alessandra Aloisi, Swara Ravindranath, Svea Hernandez, and Nimisha Kumari on observational studies of the chemical and physical conditions of the interstellar medium in metal-poor star-forming galaxies. This research will include analysis and interpretation of UV observations with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and supporting optical ground-based observations.

Post-Doctoral Research in High-Energy Astrophysical Transients- #0007206  - The Space Telescope Science Institute invites applications for a Postdoctoral Position to work with Dr. Andrew Fruchter on spaced-based observations of high-energy astrophysical objects.    You will join a group involved in projects using HST, JWST and Chandra to study gamma-ray bursts, their afterglows, supernovae and hosts and, if the universe cooperates, merging compact binaries detected through both electromagnetic and gravitational waves.  You will be encouraged to lead related projects of your own, and part of your time may be available for independent or new projects in related areas.

Internship opportunities

Space Astronomy Summer Program (SASP) - The application is open!  Deadline to apply is 1/31/23!  You can find full details here:  https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/70395

To connect with our internship program manager about internships, job shadow, speaking engagements or other outreach activities contact Tania Anderson at internships@stsci.edu 

For recruiting questions and checking application or campaign status please contact our recruiting team at - careers@stsci.edu 

We trust our staff to be productive, effective, and collaborative no matter when or where they work.

To enable employees greater flexibility while meeting the needs of the Institute and our missions, we believe that: 

1. Everyone at STScI is a crucial part of our culture and success as an organization.
2. Hybrid Work is about more than a physical location—it's about supporting a mix of work styles, enhancing staff productivity & creativity, improving work/life balance, and is an important reason why people want to work at STScI.
3. Everyone is enabled to work flexibly to the extent it is in alignment with the needs of their work and their teams.
4. Regardless of their Hybrid Work arrangement or physical presence in the office, everyone will have equal access to promotions, bonuses and pay, project assignments, recognition and awards, and other benefits of employment at STScI.
5. Our physical space and office environment will be reimagined and aligned to reflect our support for Hybrid Work by reducing the emphasis on named offices for every staff member and by identifying more spaces for scheduled/unscheduled in-person collaboration.
6. Staff are only required to come onsite when there is a benefit and purpose to their team, their division, or the institute. Staff who prefer to come onsite are free to do so.
7. Divisions/Missions know their work and their teams best and should decide on how to balance limited office space, collaboration needs, staff inclusion & equity concerns, and Hybrid Work schedules.
8. We support and encourage both in-person and remote collaboration and value the contribution of face-to-face interactions in support of a cohesive culture.
9. Our approach to Hybrid Work must be cost-effective and support both organizational as well as staff well-being objectives.

Download a Hubble Image Zoom Background!

Lithographs