JWST Scientist – FGS

The National Research Council of Canada is seeking to award a contract to a pre-identified supplier for the role of an Instrument Scientist to provide scientific support for the Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), with work primarily focused on contributing to the development of the ground system at the JWST Science and Operations Center in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, while the scientist will be based in British Columbia, Canada. The contract is valued between CAD 400,000 and CAD 450,000, with an additional annual allowance of up to CAD 15,000 for travel and publication fees. The initial performance period is twenty-one months, running from 1 July 2026 to 31 March 2028, with an option to extend the contract for up to two additional one-year periods. The position requires a candidate with a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics, along with a minimum of twenty years of post-doctorate experience in astrophysics research or telescope operations support, and extensive, hands-on expertise in the operations of the JWST Fine Guidance Sensor, including guide star selection, anomaly resolution, and efficiency improvements. All requirements are pass/fail gates, and only suppliers meeting these minimum essential qualifications may displace the pre-identified supplier. Deliverables include a Work Plan due 7 July 2026, monthly progress reports submitted on the last day of each month, white papers on FGS and JWST prior to publication, and a final report upon contract conclusion. Ownership of any foreground intellectual property developed under the contract will vest in the contractor. Proposals must be submitted as a written statement of capabilities by 2:00 p.m. EST on 30 June 2026, directed to Tamara Stabb at the National Research Council of Canada via email or phone.