JWST Scientist – JNIS-1

The National Research Council of Canada is seeking a highly qualified Instrument Scientist to provide scientific support for the Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) on the James Webb Space Telescope, based at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. The position requires a candidate with a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics, along with a minimum of twenty years of post-doctoral experience in astrophysics research or telescope operations support. The selected individual must demonstrate extensive hands-on experience with at least one of NIRISS’s science modes and deep familiarity with JWST operations, user tools, and software. The contract, issued as an Advance Contract Award Notice, is designed for a pre-identified supplier who meets these non-negotiable criteria, though other qualified entities may submit a Statement of Capabilities to compete for award. The work involves contributing to the development and enhancement of the ground systems at the JWST Science and Operations Center, with deliverables including a Work Plan due by July 7, 2026, monthly Progress Reports, White Papers on NIRISS and JWST prior to publication, and a Final Report upon contract completion. The contract period is twenty-one months, running from July 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028, with an option to extend for up to two additional one-year periods. The estimated contract value ranges between CAD $300,000 and $350,000, inclusive of up to $15,000 annually for travel and publication expenses, plus GST/HST. Ownership of any foreground intellectual property generated under the contract vests in the Contractor. The position is to be performed from British Columbia, Canada, though the role requires close collaboration with teams in the United States. Proposals must be submitted by June 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EST, to Tamara Stabb, Senior Procurement Officer at the National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa, via email.