This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/588094700. 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 or 13. If selection is made at the grade 12 level the selectee may be non-competitively promoted to the next higher level up to the grade 13 upon recommendation of the Professional Accomplishments Evaluation Committee ( PAEC)
Learn more about this agency12/28/2020 to 03/24/2021
$86,283 - $133,382 per year
IS 12 - 13
2 vacancies in the following location:
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - Required occasional Travel.
No
Permanent - Indefinite Trust Fund Appointment This is not a federal position
Full-time
Competitive
13
No
No
20-69
588094700
This position is open to all qualified candidates. Eligibility and subsequent appointment is dependent upon the candidate's ability to obtain required export license approval. First selection may be made 14 days after the opening date
This is the position of Astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division (HEAD) of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is to contribute to the work of the Science Mission Planning group in the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC), working with CXC staff and NASA to maximize scientific accomplishments of the mission; the primary responsibilities will be in mission planning and scheduling activities. The employee will be expected to carry out scientific research in the field of X-ray astronomy.
Duties may include but are not limited to:
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. Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree
or
B. A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation, which should demonstrate: a thorough knowledge of physics/astrophysics; knowledge of current (preferably X-ray) astronomy experimental and data analysis techniques; knowledge of spacecraft and observatory instrumentation, scientific programming, modern methods of software generation, verification and documentation, and Unix-type operating systems; knowledge of the application of modern computing techniques to the solution of scientific problems; skill in developing proposals for astronomical observations; ability to present findings in a publishable format and to present materials at professional meetings; and the ability to function in a large, inter-organizational experimental group
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 grade 12 in the normal line of progression for this occupation, which should demonstrate: the ability to conceive of, and play a leadership role in carrying out, original astrophysical research projects; the ability to lead successful proposals for astronomical observations; a mastery of current (preferably X-ray) astronomy experimental and data analysis techniques; a mastery of spacecraft and observatory instrumentation, scientific programming, modern methods of software generation, verification and documentation, and Unix-type operating systems; ability to present findings in a publishable format and to present materials at professional meetings; the ability to serve on professional astronomy-related panels, such as time allocation review panels; and the ability to take a leadership role in a large,
inter-organizational experimental group.
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:
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. If you do not have a social security number please contact the point of contact listed for information. Please Note:
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters.
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/588094700. 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!