03 Mar
Science Software Support Technologist
Vacancy expired!
The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is the science operations center for several NASA missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the most famous space observatory in history. We also lead the science and mission operations for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), planned to launch in 2021 and will perform parts of the science operations for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. STScI is seeking a Science Software Support Technologist who would be responsible for assisting Institute staff in using software, with emphasis on assisting Institute astronomers in solving scientific computing problems and in installing and maintaining scientific software packages.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Knowledge of using software tools in a scientific/technical environment including scientific data analysis, collaboration, publishing, office productivity, web, database, and software development.
- Experience with compilation, installation, maintenance, upgrade and licensing of software tools.
- Knowledge of astronomical research methods and software, including compilers, scripting languages (e.g. Python, shell), and data analysis packages (e.g. Matlab, IDL, Mathematica).
- Demonstrated expertise working in a multi-platform environment at the system administrator level (Linux, Mac, Windows), such as problems with file permissions, SSH keys, etc.
- Ability to diagnose problems and underlying causes, and to identify effective solutions and alternatives.
- Proven ability to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with astronomers, technical staff, management, vendors, etc.
- Ability to lead technical teams and provide reports to management.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to present technical and policy issues to diverse audiences.
- Primary responsibility for answering staff questions about application software, including third party and scientific software. Investigate and troubleshoot software issues reported by Institute staff and provide solutions, to include usage and alternatives. Work with software developers and vendors to document and resolve software problems.
- Select, build, package, distribute, and install scientific and related software on Linux, Mac, and Windows systems.
- Provide troubleshooting in all aspects of the Anaconda Python system, including installation, environment management, repository management, and software debugging.
- Provide troubleshooting in all aspects of the git version control system, including installation, environment management, repository management, and workflow debugging.
- Collaborate with Institute staff on appropriate software and hardware for astronomical data analysis.
- Recognize patterns and emerging needs in software and communicate these to management.
- Leverage the use of expertise outside of IT Services by effective documentation, communication of common techniques, and maintaining effective relationships with Institute astronomers, software developers, other staff and system administrators.
- Maintain software packages and documentation, including scientific software, and the IT Services software catalog and web pages.
- Assist in the evaluation and review of software packages.
- Participate in or lead technical teams investigating software.
- Investigate, analyze, and share knowledge of new and/or pertinent methodologies and tools.
- Work closely with the IT Project Scientist to identify and communicate current computing issues.
- Understand IT Services policies, security posture, roadmaps, strategic goals and communicate these effectively to staff.
Vacancy expired!