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)
Summary
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)
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:
Assist with day-to-day activities of the Mission Planning Group by working on technical issues pertaining to long-term and short-term schedules, representing Mission Planning in technical meetings, supporting technical review of Chandra proposals and observing plans, and working with group members to develop solutions.
Assist with long-term and unanticipated activities of the Mission Planning Group. Carry out specific investigations of science planning activities and procedures, including solutions to unanticipated spacecraft or instrument events. Conduct the analysis for these studies, developing computer algorithms as necessary and supervise their implementation, testing, and documentation. Interpret the results of these investigations, doing theoretical calculations when appropriate. Work actively to exchange ideas with other groups and institutions involved in similar activities. Participate in the process of hiring new team members, as needed.
Prepare long- and short-term schedules, review load products, and interact with observers and CXC staff to ensure the scientific goals of proposed observations are achieved. Interface closely with the CXC Flight Operations Team (FOT) to ensure timely scheduling of approved Chandra observations.
Determine relevant and fruitful areas for research, and conceive, propose, and carry out observational and data analysis efforts directed towards a wide range of astrophysical systems utilizing X-ray and other ground- and space-based facilities. Formulate plans and hypotheses in areas which are new and unexplored, or which have presented critical obstacles in the past, and carry them through to completion. Prepare research grant proposals.
Communicate research results through preparation of papers for publication in scientific journals and/or conference proceedings. Give presentations at professional meetings. Maintain awareness of new problems and techniques through communication with other scientists.
Participate in overall astronomy programs of the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC), the High Energy Astrophysics Division, and in overall scientific programs at SAO. Interact with scientists at SAO and other institutions to coordinate activities such as scientific observations and analysis, software development, and overall planning in astronomy.
Referee papers submitted to scientific journals and participate on NASA peer review committees.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
This is a Trust fund position. Please refer to our website:http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/
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 astronomy, physics, or astrophysics, particularly in the specific field of X-ray astronomy, as evidenced by publications which have contributed to significant advances in knowledge.
Ability to define and solve problems which arise in astrophysical research, with particular emphasis on research involving X-ray emission, as part of conducting independent scientific research.
Ability to communicate effectively the results of research and technical work orally and in writing
Knowledge of spacecraft operations procedures as pertaining to the planning and scheduling of astronomical observations.
Advanced knowledge of computer techniques, systems, and programs as applied to experiments and data analysis, including modern methods of software generation, verification, and documentation
Skill in interpersonal relations to: collaborate effectively with a diverse team of scientific and technical experts; interface effectively with diverse outside organizations (government, university, industry); and communicate and work with scientists inside and outside SAO
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.
This is a Trust fund position. Please refer to our website:http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/
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.
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 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.
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.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street, MS17
Suite 5060
Cambridge, District of Columbia 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.
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 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.
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.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street, MS17
Suite 5060
Cambridge, District of Columbia 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.
