The purpose of this position is to assist in leading the experimental research program using the VERITAS and CTA ground-based atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes for studies in very high energy gamma-ray astronomy by taking the lead responsibility for ensuring the operability of the CTA Schwarzschild-Couder Telescope (SCT) facility and for assisting the VERITAS Project Office managers during telescope operations.
Summary
The purpose of this position is to assist in leading the experimental research program using the VERITAS and CTA ground-based atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes for studies in very high energy gamma-ray astronomy by taking the lead responsibility for ensuring the operability of the CTA Schwarzschild-Couder Telescope (SCT) facility and for assisting the VERITAS Project Office managers during telescope operations.
As VERITAS / CTA-SCT Operations Specialist, oversees CTA-SCT commissioning, upgrades, and day-to-day science operations; and assists with VERITAS operations as needed. This includes the following:
Participation in the scientific operation and maintenance of the telescopes, in leading a scientific observing program of measurements of various targets, and in helping others in making such observations.
Providing technical direction to optical, electrical, and mechanical technicians.
Advising the Project Scientist and Project Office Managers of technical, scientific, and safety ramifications of changes in the technical aspects of the facility, and of changes in schedule.
Supporting the organization of work related to the annual summer shutdown and corresponding fall start-up of the facility, and participating in major maintenance / upgrade tasks performed during this shutdown.
Participating in the testing, maintenance, repair, and upgrades of the VERITAS and CTA-SCT telescopes, cameras and auxiliary systems.
Providing technical assistance to all VERITAS sub-projects and CTA-SCT subsystems; including those involving the telescope structure, drive systems, optics, camera, electronics, and software including data acquisition, reduction, and archiving.
Serves as an active member of the VERITAS Project Office, which manages the operation of both the VERITAS-array and the CTA-SCT and develops their associated hardware, programs, and facilities. Attends VERITAS Project Office meetings, and participates in long and short range planning including development of the professional, technical, fiscal, and schedule direction of the VERITAS and CTA-SCT projects. Assists with Project Office reporting and coordination of the schedule and activities of visiting VERITAS and CTA personnel. Maintains, monitors, services, and upgrades CTA-SCT related content management systems, electronic calendars, and logbooks. Assists with public information and outreach programs.
Conducts research in the field of very high energy gamma-ray astrophysics using VERITAS and CTA. Maintains knowledge of current results and techniques in particle astrophysics, particularly gamma-ray astronomy, and designs and develops software programs as needed to execute required calculations. Serves as an active member of the VERITAS and CTA scientific collaborations, and makes scientific and technical presentations at Collaboration meetings, supports science-program planning, and develops scientific and technical software for use by Collaboration researchers. Prepares papers documenting research results for publication in scientific journals / proceedings. Participates in technical meetings and conferences to present research results and discuss current work with other scientists and project personnel
Ensures the compatibility and adherence to hardware and software specifications of all on-site CTA-SCT computing systems; and maintains familiarity with all software developed for use with CTA-SCT including those for scientific analysis. Maintains a comprehensive set of system, software, and networking documents.
Must participate in direct deposit/electronic funds for salary payment
May be required to serve a one-year probationary period
Pre- and post-appointment background investigation is required.
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 professional research experience in particle astrophysics and/or high-energy gamma-ray astronomy or the operation of a gamma ray telescope system and its associated computer infrastructure, or knowledge of computing techniques for the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of observational data.
c) Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
Important Note:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
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.
Education
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.
Additional information
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
A recruitment bonus may be paid.
Incumbent will be required to respond to VERITAS / CTA-SCT operational emergencies that can arise at any time, and may require off-hours, on-site presence.
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.
Broad knowledge of physics and/or astrophysics with particular emphasis on particle astrophysics and/or high-energy gamma-ray astronomy, as might be evidenced by a Ph.D. or comparable professional experience.
Knowledge of computing techniques for the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of observational data.
Ability to manage complex Linux-based computer systems and related infrastructure required for the acquisition, analysis, and storage of large volumes of scientific data.
Ability to provide professional and technical expertise to scientists, engineers, technicians and key personnel from collaborating institutions.
Ability to document scientific results for publication in scientific journals and presentation and professional conferences.
Ability to work both independently and as a member 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 Names and email address for three (3) 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 Names and email address for three (3) 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.
