This is a position of Astrophysicist with the Processing and Archive Operations (PAOps) team of the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) in the High Energy Astrophysics division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The CXC supports the Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXC) science mission. The employee will report to the PAOps lead within the CXC Data Systems Division (CXCDS) and will contribute to scientific and technical operations in the area of data processing and archival.
Summary
This is a position of Astrophysicist with the Processing and Archive Operations (PAOps) team of the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) in the High Energy Astrophysics division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The CXC supports the Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXC) science mission. The employee will report to the PAOps lead within the CXC Data Systems Division (CXCDS) and will contribute to scientific and technical operations in the area of data processing and archival.
This position is open to all qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. Selection will be made at either the grade 12 or 13 grade level. 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)
Function as a member of the CXC PAOps team and support each stage of the processing and archival of Chandra observations, from data receipt through distribution to publication through the CXC public and Virtual Observatory-based interfaces. Provide support to running of the data processing and archival pipelines, bibliographic procedures and the annotation of the archival data holdings. Support the Verification and Validation (V&V) of the data products.
Support the PAOps lead as responsible for the processing of the Chandra Source Catalog (CSC/L3 processing) and the Quality Assurance (QAs) duties within the team. Collaborate with the DS Catalog Development and Catalog Operation teams on the definition of scientific and methodological approaches to catalog processing issues. Contribute to CSC testing through the verification of the scientific validity of CSC source properties and data products.
Assist the PAOps team lead in the interface with other DS teams and CXC groups as necessary by reporting on the status of processing, distribution and archival operations. Participate in and support testing of DS software releases and custom PAOps software in an operational environment.
Conduct independent research in the field of X-ray astronomy and astrophysics, including appropriate observations in other spectral bands when required. Formulate research plans and carry them to completion by planning and preparing observations, analyzing and interpreting the collected data.
Prepare papers presenting research results for publication in scientific journals and presentation at conferences. Participate in scientific meetings and conferences to discuss current research with other scientists and project personnel. Referee papers submitted to scientific journals and participate on NASA peer review committees.
Perform other related duties as requested by the supervisor.
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.
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Qualifications
Basic 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.
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: experience with processing and/or archiving techniques for astronomical data, or knowledge of the operational procedures of an astronomical mission
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 the grade 12 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. The experience includes proficiency with processing and/or archiving techniques for astronomical data, or experience with the operational procedure of an astronomical missions
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/Standards/IORs/gs1300/1330.htm.
Additional information
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
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.
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.
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:
Broad knowledge of physics and astronomy.
Expertise in the field of X-ray astronomy, or relevant areas in physics or astrophysics, as may be evidenced by a Ph.D or comparable professional experience
Knowledge of modern space astrophysics data analysis; and the ability to apply techniques in the acquisition and management of X-ray data and in the area of data analysis and reduction.
Skill in formulating and conducting independent research programs involving the design and development of new hypotheses and/or theories and/or methods in areas relevant for space astrophysics, such as UV, optical, IR, and X-rays.
Ability to effectively collaborate with a team of data processing and archiving specialists.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Includes skill in preparing scientific results for publication in scientific journals and for presentation at professional conferences
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.
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.
Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. 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.
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
60 Garden Street, MS 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an automated email acknowledgement that your application has been received. This may take several hours. We often receive a large number of applications for a job. We review each application carefully, and this process may take a few weeks. As we go through each round of review, we will send you an email to date you on your status.
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.
Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. 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.
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
60 Garden Street, MS 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an automated email acknowledgement that your application has been received. This may take several hours. We often receive a large number of applications for a job. We review each application carefully, and this process may take a few weeks. As we go through each round of review, we will send you an email to date you on your status.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
