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Astrophysics Institute Program Scientist [Observatory Operations Expert]
Schmidt Ocean Institute
Operations
Baltimore, MD, USA
Posted on Oct 11, 2025
Summary
The Astrophysics Institute at Schmidt Sciences seeks an Observatory Operations Expert to join a growing team that supports the development and operation of astrophysics facilities. This role is designed for an expert in observatory operations—including commissioning, ConOps, scheduling, and long-term facility support—who will help ensure that cutting-edge telescopes and instruments deliver transformative science.
The successful candidate will work closely with internal staff, grantee teams, and partner institutions to design, implement, and optimize operational strategies for ground- and space-based observatories. A central aspect of this role will be to design and prototype an Observatory Operations Center, creating a model for how potential philanthropic investment can strengthen the future of astrophysics infrastructure.
Schmidt Sciences
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 aims to rapidly expand our knowledge of the universe through the creation of innovative hardware and software platforms. This includes the development of computational tools and frameworks, ground and space-based instrumentation, and the promotion of fresh approaches to technological advancement that develop resources at a fraction of the typical time and cost.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of the Astrophysics Institute, the Observatory Operations Expert will bring deep technical and operational expertise to help guide major projects from concept through commissioning and steady-state operations.
Key responsibilities for this role include the following:
Facility & Operations Leadership (approx. 80%)
- Serve as the in-house expert on observatory operations for large-scale astrophysics facilities.
- Lead efforts to design and prototype an Observatory Operations Center, including exploring architecture, technology stack, staffing models, and operational protocols.
- Develop operational strategies, scheduling frameworks, and support systems to maximize science productivity and efficiency.
- Contribute to and review observatory system designs, ensuring that operability, maintainability, and long-term sustainability are central considerations.
- Support commissioning and science readiness of new facilities and ensure smooth transition to steady-state operations.
- Establish best practices for reliable, community-focused observatory operations.
Partner & Program Support (approx. 20%)
- Provide ongoing oversight and assessment of existing observatory projects, particularly around operations readiness.
- Identify opportunities for additional support, collaboration, or intervention to maximize science return.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in observatory operations, telescope systems engineering, or equivalent high-availability facility operations.
- Demonstrated leadership in commissioning or managing complex astronomical facilities.
- Strong knowledge of scheduling, queue operations, and observatory software ecosystems.
- Proven ability to develop and implement operational strategies that maximize science productivity.
- Ability to work across interdisciplinary teams and partner organizations.
- Based at one of the Schmidt Sciences offices (Maryland, New York) with the ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Desired Additional Skills
- Experience designing, prototyping, or establishing new operations centers, control rooms, or mission operations facilities.
- Hands-on expertise with telescope control systems, data management pipelines, and integration with archives.
- Background in IT infrastructure management, high-availability computing, or cloud-based observatory operations.
- Familiarity with requirements management, performance budgets, and system engineering practices.
- Track record of developing or implementing best practices in observatory or facility operations, especially in collaborative, multi-institutional settings.
- Experience leading or contributing to community-wide discussions, reviews, or convenings related to operations planning.
This is an exempt position.