Astrophysics Institute Program Scientist Data & Software Systems

Overview

Summary

The Astrophysics Institute at Schmidt Sciences seeks a Data Management & Software Systems Expert to guide the design and implementation of next-generation data management systems for astronomy. This role is ideal for a technically fluent leader who bridges astronomy, data engineering, and software architecture — someone who understands the full life cycle of astronomical data and can oversee complex, distributed systems built to serve the global scientific community.

The successful candidate will help shape the Institute’s data management strategy, overseeing teams and partners building data pipelines, archives, and user-facing tools for ground- and space-based observatories. This is a rare opportunity to define how philanthropy can accelerate scientific discovery through robust, open, and interoperable data infrastructure.

Schmidt Sciences

Schmidt Sciences is a philanthropy dedicated to fostering the advancement of science and technology. We identify under-supported or unconventional areas of exploration to accelerate and deepen our understanding of the natural world and develop solutions to global issues.

We seek ideas, people, and techniques across disciplines of science and technology to catalyze results for society. Our focus areas include AI and Advanced Computing, Astrophysics and Space, Biosciences, Climate, and Cross-Science programs.

The Astrophysics Institute at Schmidt Sciences aims to rapidly expand our knowledge of the universe through the creation of innovative hardware and software platforms, including computational tools and frameworks, ground and space-based instrumentation, and approaches that develop resources at a fraction of typical time and cost.

Reporting to the Director of the Astrophysics Institute, the Data Management & Software Systems Expert will guide the architecture, integration, and strategy of data management systems across the Institute’s observatory and mission portfolio.

This person will define system-level requirements, evaluate technical designs, and ensure that data infrastructure developed by partners and grantees meets the highest standards of interoperability, performance, and accessibility. They will identify and select qualified external vendors and contractors, establish contractual agreements, and oversee their work throughout project life cycles. They will not necessarily write production code but must understand the systems deeply enough to direct, review, and synthesize the work of multiple teams.

• Develop and refine the architecture for data management systems supporting Schmidt Sciences–funded observatories and instruments.
• Define system-level requirements and workflows—from raw telemetry to science-ready archives—ensuring scalability, reproducibility, and open access.
• Establish technical standards and documentation frameworks for data pipelines, archives, and analysis services.

• Advise or oversee technical teams and partner institutions implementing data infrastructure and software.
• Evaluate and select technologies that support long-term data operations and community access.
• Ensure seamless integration between data management systems, observatory operations, and user-facing science tools.
• Maintain high standards of reliability, transparency, and sustainability in system design.

• Champion best practices in data quality, provenance, and reproducibility.
• Represent Schmidt Sciences in community initiatives on data standards, interoperability, and open-source development.
• Promote alignment with community best-practices (e.g., FAIR data principles, IVOA protocols).

• Act as a bridge between astronomers, software engineers, and data scientists, translating scientific needs into actionable system requirements.
• Mentor and advise teams on data architecture and software design practices.
• Convene or participate in workshops and collaborative efforts to advance community data infrastructure.

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent experience) in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Computer Science, or…