Duties at the grade 13

• Supervise the work of postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, or other researchers, which may be related to the duties below.
• Lead the development new procedures for processing and classifying observations of minor planets, as submitted to the Minor Planet Center. This may require substantial development of orbital integration and propagation routines, as well as the introduction of modern mathematical and physics techniques to the differential correction problem.
• Work with the Minor Planet Center Director in the analysis of astrometric observations of small bodies in the solar system, using data from ground-based and space-based surveys.
• Work with the Minor Planet Center Director in overseeing the ongoing evaluation of the operational performance of the Minor Planet Center. Identify potential problems and suggest improvements.
• Work with the Minor Planet Center Director to ensure that the Minor Planet Center is adequately prepared for the large increase in data volume from future surveys such as the ground-based Large Synoptic Survey Telescope
• Represent the Minor Planet Center at conferences and other meetings, in interactions with the Small Bodies Node of the NASA Planetary Data System, or in interactions with the NASA Planetary Defense Coordination Office, as needed by the Minor Planet Center Director.
• Write Minor Planet Center performance reports to support the operations of the Minor Planet Center.
• Prepare papers on such analysis and related topics for publication in scientific journals and presentation at scientific meetings.
• Perform other assignments as required.

• Participate in or otherwise assist in the development of major new initiatives for MPC. As a recognized leader in the field of astrophysics, collaborates and consults both nationally and internationally with other scientists concerning ongoing research programs in the scientific community. Participates in research planning activities, including participation on advisory committees, scientific workshops, conferences, etc. Additionally, the incumbent serves as a consultant to other agencies, institutions and other specialists in the field.

• Independently manage the Minor Planet Center operations in the Director’s absence.
• Lead the analysis of astrometric observations of small bodies in the solar system, using data from ground-based and space-based surveys.

• Lead the ongoing evaluation of the operational performance of the Minor Planet Center. Identify potential problems and suggest improvements.
• Take a leading role in ensuring that the Minor Planet Center is adequately prepared for the large increase in data volume from future surveys such as the ground-based Large Synoptic Survey Telescope.

• Identify funding opportunities that are in line with the strategic plan for the growth of the Minor Planet Center.
• Oversee the professional growth and development of the Minor Planet Center team.

Conditions of employment

• May be required to complete Pre and Post appointment background check
• Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer required for salary payment
• May be required to serve a one year probationary period

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.

Qualifications

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 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 demonstrates 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.

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 advanced knowledge of modern computer techniques, including simulation and data analysis techniques. The candidate formulates and conducts independent research program(s) as demonstrated by an extensive history of publications in refereed journals

How you will be evaluated

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

• Advanced knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of astronomy, astrophysics, or physics as may be evidenced by a Ph.D. degree or comparable professional experience.
• Knowledge of astronomical research methods suitable for observational and theoretical astrophysics as evidenced by a Ph.D. degree or comparable experience.
• Ability to lead independent scientific investigations.
• Ability to work effectively independently or as part of a research group or scientific team.
• Skill in preparing scientific results for publication, particularly in the area of orbit determination of celestial bodies.
• Knowledge of advanced astronomical catalogs and databases.
• Knowledge of and ability to use modern computer techniques to lead a technical team.
• Skill in using telescopes and modern instrumentation for the observation of moving objects.
• Skill in the preparation of scientific reports and papers in scientific journals and presentation at professional conferences.
• Knowledge of the principles of astrophysics as well as a high degree of scholarly competence necessary to develop, formulate and conduct original independent research and a build a program, particularly in the field of small body populations and exoplanet systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a project and supervise personnel

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