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Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow)

Smithsonian Institution
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This is the position of Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the High Energy Astrophysics Division.  The purpose of this position is to train postdoctoral researchers to conceive, plan and conduct highly specialized research in astrophysics.  The incumbent will be expected to perform scholarly research and participate in making contributions to the physical fields of science. 

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
05/02/2019 to 10/30/2019
Salary
$69,016 to - $89,726 per year
Pay scale & grade
IS 11
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Cambridge, MA
2 vacancies
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - To attend meetings and conferences
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Temporary - Not To Exceed Three Years
Work schedule
Full-time - Trust Fund. This is not a federal position.
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Announcement number
19-40
Control number
532440500

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all qualified candidates. Multiple selections may be made from this vacancy announcement.

Duties

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Duties may include but are not limited to:

  1. Conduct a program of research and scholarship in the area of AGN / host galaxy interaction and feedback under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator
  2. Assists in the development of software and procedures of the reduction, analysis and interpretation of data as needed; or assists in the development of analytical methods and/or software to model physical processes and conditions; or assists in the development of scientific instrumentation for the collection of data, as needed.
  3. Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which engaged, for example prepare papers for publication in scientific journals, prepare and present findings at scientific meetings, as required.
  4. Support, as required, the development of proposals for research funding.
  5. Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of your research group, School and Institute.
  6. Mentor and assist, as appropriate and as directed, the research graduate students in your area of research.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • May be required to complete Pre and Post appointment background check
  • Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer required for salary payment
  • First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date.

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 11:

Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the grade 09 that should demonstrate professional research experience in astrophysics and the ability to interpret data obtained from facilities and knowledge of computing techniques for the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of observational data.



OR

C. A combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above. 

Additional information

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).

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 X-ray astronomy data analysis, both spatial and spectral; data visualization; and statistical analyses.

Knowledge of data reduction and analysis techniques applicable to Chandra, Hubble and astronomy data in general.

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.


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