Head of Data Science Mission Office

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is NASA’s science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI leads observation planning, data analysis, public engagement, and data archiving for flagship missions. Our staff spans astronomy, engineering, education, IT, communications, and administration—working together to bring space science to the world.

STScI is seeking a Leader for the Data Science Mission Office.

This role is eligible for hybrid work and will require
three days
of on-site presence in our Baltimore office. You must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).

The Head of the Data Science Mission Office (DSMO) will serve as the senior strategic and scientific leader of the Institute’s data science and AI initiatives. This role shapes and advances the Institute’s vision for leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analytics to enable transformative discovery in astronomy.

The Head of DSMO will work with STScI staff and the wider astronomical community to define and drive high-impact initiatives at the intersection of astronomy, data science, engineering and open-source software development. They will lead internal/external initiatives and partnerships to increase data-driven scientific productivity of STScI’s missions, and to innovate in these areas. They will work to expand the scientific value of data holdings, which include the missions STScI directly operates (HST, JWST, Roman and future missions) as well as the multi-mission, multi-wavelength data of the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST), and to lower barriers to scientific discovery.

In addition, to leading strategies to enable machine learning and artificial intelligence for scientific research using STScI's data archives and platforms. While ensuring that AI technologies are scientifically rigorous, strategically aligned with the Institute’s mission, and ethically implemented.

• Strategic Leadership
• Develop, implement and communicate a clear vision for the data science strategy for STScI
• Identify and leverage science-enhancing synergies in data science across STScI missions in collaboration with senior leadership
• Set priorities to explore and deliver new technologies, services, and infrastructures that advance scientific discovery
• Strategically identify and advance high-level organizational priorities for data science
• Research & Science Advancement
• Enhance research activities, capabilities, and outcomes for STScI science staff to help them adopt new data science technologies
• Support the broader astronomical community, particularly those working with space missions and archives supported by STScI
• Dedicate a portion of working time to self-directed research
• Operations & Data Engineering
• Support improvement of STScI operations and services through modern data management, data engineering, and data science techniques
• Advance capabilities for enabling analysis of peta-scale data archives by the astronomical community
• Foster close partnerships among engineering teams, scientists, and the astronomical community
• Manage the MAST contract and ensure the success of archive initiatives within the purview of that contract
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
• Represent STScI's work to external partners including government agencies (e.g., NASA), advisory and oversight committees, and the scientific community
• Facilitate consensus from key partners to turn strategic vision into meaningful activities and deliverable results
• Communicate effectively with individuals, teams, and management throughout STScI, AURA, and associated communities
• Leadership and Management Responsibilities
• Develop and communicate a clear vision and strategy for the Data Science Mission Office aligned with the Institute's overall
• Provide leadership and guidance to subordinate managers and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Conduct periodic reviews and assessments of Data Science Mission Office policies and procedures.
• Provide mentorship and…