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As a Senior Astrophysicist in the Radio and Geoastronomy Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), he/she will conceive, design, develop and implement a unique and original global network of millimeter telescopes to probe supermassive black holes at event horizon scales. He/she will lead SAO's effort and attack fundamental problems in very high angular resolution astronomy that are exceptionally difficult and challenging with solutions representing a major advance in the field.
Learn more about this agency11/07/2022 to 12/12/2022
$135,468 - $203,700 per year
SL 00
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
50% or less - Travel is required nationally and internationally to attend meetings, presentations, etc.
No
Permanent - Permanent - Federal
Full-time - Full Time
Competitive
00
Yes
No
22-76
688004900
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals.
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
Minimum Education Requirements:
A) Degree in one or 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.
Specialized Experience: One year of directly related experience (Federal or other) equivalent to GS-15. Specialized experience would include activities such as directing an international collaboration to develop and operate a global network of radio telescopes for astrophysical research, publications of original research on supermassive black holes at event horizon scales using Very Long Baseline Interferometry, and leadership of proposals to external sponsors such as the National Science Foundation to support technical and scientific development of Very Long Baseline Interferometry at millimeter wavelengths.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
There is no education substitution for this position.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Important Note:
The review of your resume will determine your final rating and should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
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 education and specialized requirements. Applicants that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
The incumbent is an internationally recognized leader in the field of radio astronomy specializing in VLBI observations of black holes at event horizon scales as evidenced by major contributions to the scientific and technical literature.
A high degree of creativity, imagination, judgement, initiative, and scholarly competence in the solution of problems of marked importance and presentation of significant results in the field of radio astronomy, in particular through the development of VLBI techniques at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths.
Demonstrated ability to exert scientific leadership of a research group, including supervising and consulting with scientists, engineers, technical staff and students.
Demonstrated ability to develop and manage original and significant scientific projects with external sponsors such as NSF, NASA, and/or private foundations.
Advanced ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.
Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria:
Best Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and excels in most of the job related competencies above.
Better Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job related competencies above.
Good Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements, but does not satisfy most of the job related competencies above to a substantive degree.
This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not be considered for this position.
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 sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
Your application package must include the following documents:
1. CV and Bibliography;
2. Vision Statement for the position of Senior Astrophysicist: statement should include your plan for innovative science and research at SAO/CfA for the next five years (maximum 3 pages);
3. Statement specifically addressing the duties and responsibilities of and selection criteria for the position (maximum 2 pages);
4. A Diversity and Inclusion Statement: statement should address your experience related to increasing/improving diversity and inclusion, as well as a description of activities and/or practices you would introduce in the position of Senior Astrophysicist (maximum 2 pages).
5. Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
6. Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
7. Names and email addresses for three (3) professional references.Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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 will receive an automated email acknowledgment 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.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/688004900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of what is arguably the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world, where the staff carries out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics and earth and space sciences. If you would like to join this exciting organization, apply today!
