Demo

Space Physics Instrument/Mission Leader

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 4/9/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/12/2026
Description

Do you love to formulate and develop space instrumentation and missions to answer the most pressing scientific questions about solar and space physics?

 

Do you have a vision for the future directions of space weather and space physics and have a passion for helping engage and shape community efforts?

 

Are you able to bridge between science and engineering to develop new instrument and mission concepts?

 

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

 

SRP consists of ~50 full- and part-time professional staff and postdoctoral researchers. We conduct original high-impact scientific research; provide scientific leadership of instruments to measure space physics phenomena; lead national space physics initiatives; and support the formulation, implementation, and operation of a variety of spaceflight missions, including Parker Solar Probe (PSP) and Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP). SRP operates in close conjunction with APL’s Atmospheres and Ionospheres Group (SRZ), bringing together scientific expertise across all realms of space physics. As such, we collaborate directly with the instrumentation and spacecraft engineering groups, as well as mission formulation and project managers.

 

As a Space Physics Instrument/Mission Leader, you will...

  • Lead instrument development efforts through internally- and externally-funded development grants, with a focus on new measurements of importance to space physics and space weather research.
  • Lead proposal efforts to NASA and other sponsors for competed space physics missions and instruments.
  • Develop scientific requirements and traceability for space physics mission concepts and instruments.
  • Conduct high-impact original research

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • Possess A PhD in a field relevant to space physics
  • 5 years of (post-doctorate) experience in space physics research.
  • Experience with scientific formulation and development of space flight missions and/or instruments.
  • Impactful publication record.
  • Knowledge and track record working with NASA, NOAA, and/or DoD.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

  • 10 years of research experience
  • Demonstrated leadership in the space physics or APL community through work on committees, editorships, professional societies.
  • Experience in science leadership of instruments and/or missions.

 

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

 

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

 

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About Us

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

 

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity of perspectives, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

 

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


Minimum Rate

$90,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$350,000 Annually

Salary : $90,000 - $350,000

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