Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States, including non-US citizens.

Works with the EHT science community to formulate EHT software requirements and determine technical specifications of new and modified software; conceives and contributes to integration and testing protocols for new and existing data pipelines; designs and codes new software; and coordinates the documentation and maintenance of EHT software. He/she will

1. Lead investigations into the data calibration and analysis pipeline of the EHT, including the design of data processing frameworks, determination of a formal testing protocol, characterization of uncertainties, and feedback to generate operational protocols to ensure optimal data acquisition.
2. Assist in the organization, specifications, and production of EHT reduced scientific data products, and support their proper use in downstream analysis.
3. Develop new algorithms for VLBI data processing and analysis, including correlation, calibration, time domain, and imaging studies.
4. Support software development and computing best practices across the EHT collaboration.
5. Lead studies of next-generation EHT enhancements. These include the development of a cloud-computing framework for VLBI correlation, tools to evaluate the relative merits of new site locations, including space platforms, new imaging algorithms to study sources
   with rapid variability, and the evaluation of existing EHT data pipelines to identify areas of improvement.
6. Design and conduct astronomical observations for both testing and for original scientific research using EHT data.
7. Prepare papers describing data, techniques, results and interpretations for publication in scientific or technical journals. Give presentations at scientific or technical meetings and conferences, and within the CfA.
8. Contribute to the preparation of written reports, observing and funding proposals, white papers, and research articles.
9. Participate in implementing operational enhancements at EHT sites through integration of software and hardware.

Conditions of employment

• May be required to work nights, holidays and weekends.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Pre- and post-appointment background investigation.
• Direct Deposit/Elect Funds Transfer required for salary payment.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• May be required to work at high altitudes of 15K feet above sea leavel.
• May be required to work at an altitude near 14,000 feet.

For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/group-stds/gs-prof.asp

Qualifications

Minimum Education Requirements: A)Degree in one of a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science or electronics, including course work in differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy or physics; OR

B)A combination of education and experience equivalent to A above including 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.

Grade13: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year equivalent to the GS-12 which included conducting independent research in the field of

VLBI studies of black holes within the EHT and ngEHT programs.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the average number of hours per week spent in such employment on your online resume.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:

Knowledge of the principles of radio interferometry and VLBI data processing, including both theory and practice.

Experience architecting large software platforms that incorporate work and code from various sources. Experience maintaining code bases with best software design practices.

Experience and skill in digital signal processing (DSP).

Experience and skill in developing scientific programs with high performance computing, parallel computing, cloud computing, high speed mass storage systems, and big data operations.

Experience in developing control programs for radio astronomy software pipelines under operating systems such as under Linux and other Unix-like operating systems.

Ability to work effectively both independently, and as part of a diverse research group or scientific team with collaborative partners nationally and internationally.

Important Note: Your CV/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 CV/resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.