Data Scientist (Astrobiology)

Blue Marble Space, in partnership with the Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL) at the Carnegie Institution for Science and the NASA Ames Research Center, is seeking a data scientist with interests lying at the intersection of data science and astrobiology.

The successful applicant will join the NASA-funded Interdisciplinary Consortia for Astrobiology Research (ICAR) project on Advancing Multi-Messenger Biosignature Techniques using Machine Learning, and will work on a variety of areas within this effort.

Applicants should have demonstrated experience in data science, machine learning, data visualization, and information modeling, and an interest in applying their science skills to planetary science and astrobiological from in-situ sample analysis measurements of chemical/molecular composition. Successful candidates will be supervised by Dr. Anirudh Prabhu and will work with ICAR project members including Dr.

Caleb Scharf (NASA Ames) and Dr. Michael Wong (Carnegie EPL).

Minimum qualifications

• The applicant must have at minimum an undergraduate degree in any of the areas of computer science, data science, geoinformatics, geoscience, or planetary science and must be proficient in coding languages such as R, Julia, or Python.
• Experience with data management would be beneficial.
• An interest in, and ability to work effectively with, astrobiologists, geologists, planetary scientists, informaticians, and data curators is essential.
• Familiarity with software development best practices, including version control (e.g., Git), is ideal.
• This full-time, 2-year position will commence on or after January 10, 2027 and will be based at the Broad Branch Road campus of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC.
• The starting salary will range from $70,000 to $75,000, commensurate with experience.
• Interested applicants should submit a CV, contact information for three references, and a cover letter that includes a brief discussion of interests and relevant research experience.
• We will begin reviewing applications on December 15, 2026.
• Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
• Only applicants with existing authorization to work in the USA will be considered.
• No relocation funds are available.
• This is not a remote position.