The purpose of this postdoctoral research fellow astrophysicist position is to conduct scientific research and scholarship in the area of software, frameworks, and techniques for the processing of Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) data. The incumbent will contribute to EHT analysis and science investigations, and collaborate with the team of SAO scientists and engineers in creating the next generation of precision measurements of black hole physics on horizon scales.
Summary
The purpose of this postdoctoral research fellow astrophysicist position is to conduct scientific research and scholarship in the area of software, frameworks, and techniques for the processing of Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) data. The incumbent will contribute to EHT analysis and science investigations, and collaborate with the team of SAO scientists and engineers in creating the next generation of precision measurements of black hole physics on horizon scales.
Conduct a program of research and scholarship in the area of the Event Horizon Telescope under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator
Assist in the development of software and procedures of the reduction, analysis and interpretation of data as needed; assist in the development of analytical methods and/or software to model physical processes and conditions; assist in the development and modeling of scientific instrumentation for the collection of data, as needed.
Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which engaged. Examples include preparing papers for publication in scientific journals, preparing and presenting findings at scientific meetings, writing scientific memos, and presenting results at project reviews.
Support, as required, the development of proposals for research funding.
Mentor and assist, as appropriate and as directed, students and interns in the EHT research group.
Must participate in direct deposit/electronic funds for salary payment
Pre- and post-appointment background investigation is required.
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 the basic requirements, candidates for the grade 11 must also possess one of the following:
A. Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or
B. Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as data analysis, instrument calibration and statistical modeling.
C. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
Qualifications
Qualification requirements are derived from the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications. Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days after the closing date of announcement.
Additional information
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, commuter benefits, health/life insurance, and accidental insurance. Please see Benefits at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/ for a complete description.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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.
Knowledge of the technical methods, principles and practices of the field of radio astrophysics and/or very long baseline interferometry and/or black hole physics.
Knowledge of data reduction and analysis techniques applicable radio astrophysics and/or very long baseline interferometry and/or black hole physics.
Ability to utilize computer technology in the solution of scientific problems.
Ability to perform scientific research as may be evidenced by receipt of a Ph.D.
Ability to work effectively as part of a research group or scientific team.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, commuter benefits, health/life insurance, and accidental insurance. Please see Benefits at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/ for a complete description.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Your application package must include the following documents:
Detailed resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) School transcripts or degree certificate Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable Summary of research interests (1-2 pages) Names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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. Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button.
Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
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.
Your application package must include the following documents:
Detailed resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) School transcripts or degree certificate Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable Summary of research interests (1-2 pages) Names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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. Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button.
Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
