Solar Physics Research Scientist

The Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory (LMSAL) has an immediate opening for a Research Scientist to support existing science missions and to conduct research using the rich datasets of current and upcoming heliophysics missions. Current missions at LMSAL include the Multislit Solar Explorer (MUSE) and Extreme Ultraviolet Solar Telescope (EUVST), the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS), and the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO/AIA and HMI). LMSAL is a department of the Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Palo Alto, CA.

The ATC is the research lab for LM Space, and the SS&I directorate within the ATC pursues fundamental space science research and the development of prototype flight instruments and payloads. The successful candidate will play a key scientific and/or technical role and will grow into a leadership role in Heliophysics Science as part of these teams.

Duties include support for design, integration and test of optical instruments (especially for EUV/UV imaging and spectroscopy, including MUSE); verification of optical performance, including calibration; test and verification of image stabilization systems; analysis of system performance, including effects of spacecraft charging, jitter, etc.; planning and conducting environmental and functional testing on instruments and payloads; and support for mission operations including science planning and analysis, data processing and calibration, and monitoring of calibration data/quality. The Research Scientist is also encouraged to conduct supporting research and/or to seek external funding to pursue research commensurate with their training and expertise.- PhD degree in Heliophysics or related science/engineering discipline, preferably with application relevant to Heliophysics Science Focus areas.
- Demonstrated technical experience and the ability and willingness to work in technical teams.
- Experience with the execution of space science research programs.
- US citizenship or Green Card holder.- Emerging leader in the Heliophysics Science technical professional community, based on publications, academic interfaces, and professional contacts, capable of being a Principal Investigator of Co-Investigator on NASA science contracts and/or missions.
- Experience with solar spectrographs, imagers, or analogous instrumentation. Design experience with and mission architectural knowledge of UV and EUV optical instruments.
- Mission experience and good technical familiarity with multiple heliophysics instrumentation or deep familiarity in one such technology demonstrated by publications, on-orbit instruments, and selected missions.