This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/511860800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Selection for this position will be made at either the grade 12, 13 or 14 level. If selection is made at the grade 12, or 13 level the selectee may be non-competitively promoted to the next higher level up to the grade 14 upon recommendation of the Professional Accomplishments Evaluation Committee (PAEC).
Learn more about this agency09/13/2018 to 01/22/2019
$81,077 - $148,108 per year
IS 12 - 14
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Not required
No
Permanent - Trust Fund. This is not a federal position.
Full-time - Full Time, Indefinite.
Competitive
14
No
No
18-78
511860800
This position is open to all qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date.
This is the position of Astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The employee will undertake a significant technical role in the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) working with CXC staff and NASA to maximize the scientific return of the ACIS instrument on the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The work will include generation of commands to the ACIS instrument, review and verification of spacecraft command loads to ensure the proper ACIS configuration, monitoring of the space radiation environment and safing the ACIS instrument when appropriate, monitoring the health and safety of the ACIS instrument, and the analysis and interpretation of flight data to ensure the quality of the scientific data. The position is charged with technical and scientific responsibility for formulating and conducting developmental research in the area of X-ray Astronomy and High Energy Astrophysics. The work may include the planning and designing of necessary experiments, the analysis and interpretation of experimental data, the proposing, planning, and designing of observing programs, the analysis and interpretation of observations, and the publication of significant results.
Applicants must meet the basic qualification requirements as described in the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions. These standards may be viewed at the following address on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1300/1330.htm.
Basic Requirements:
A. Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics. The course work must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics. OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below:
Grade 12:
A. A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field
OR
B. A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 11 level in the normal line of progress for this occupation which should demonstrate the origination of new techniques in the acquisition and management of data, establishing new criteria in the area of data analysis and reduction, the development of new observational information, the supervision of at least one subordinate or postdoc or completed a supervisory training program, and authorship of several scholarly articles in professional refereed journals and/or conference presentations.
OR
C. A combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
Grade 13:
A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 12 level in the normal line of progression for the occupation which should demonstrate taking a leadership role in the running of an observatory or equivalent scientific facility, including instrument operations for a space observatory and the planning and execution of observations for Guest Observers. The candidate has experience working with a team that operates an observatory in space; taking a lead role in formulating requirements for science software; and working in teams including scientists and software engineers to test and document software. The candidate formulates and conducts independent research program(s) as demonstrated by a substantive history of publications in refereed journals; and has knowledge of the application of computer and analytic techniques to the solution of scientific problems.
Grade 14:
A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 13 level in the normal line of progression for the occupation which should demonstrate taking a leadership role in the running of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, including the planning and execution of observations for Guest Observers. The candidate has experience working with the team that operates the Chandra X-ray Observatory; taking a lead role in formulating requirements for science software; and working in teams including scientists and software engineers to test and document software. The candidate formulates and conducts independent research program(s) as demonstrated by a substantive history of publications in refereed journals; and has knowledge of the application of computer and analytic techniques to the solution of scientific problems. The candidate has demonstrated the ability to conduct an independent research program including writing successful proposals and supervising students and Postdoctoral fellows.
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses but may pay a recruitment bonus. The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required; and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the criteria associated with this position as defined below
Broad knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and physics, as evidenced by a PhD in Astronomy or Physics
Knowledge of astrophysics, as evidenced by publications which have answered important questions in the field or have contributed to significant advances in knowledge
Knowledge of X-ray astronomy instruments and data analysis techniques including the Chandra X-ray Observatory
Knowledge of and demonstrated experience working with x-ray data and the ability to utilize other ground-based and space-based observing facilities
Ability to develop and apply computer and analytic techniques to the solution of scientific problems and astrophysical data analysis
Ability to formulate and conduct independent research programs
Ability to supervise and manage technical staff in the development of software systems
Skill in interpersonal relations to interface effectively with diverse outside organizations (government, university, industry)
Detailed resume or CV and bibliography
Names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references
School transcripts or degree certificate
Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/511860800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of what is arguably the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world, where the staff carries out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics, and earth and space sciences. If you would like to join this exciting organization, apply today!