This is the position of Astrophysicist (Technical Assistant) in the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) Data System Operations/Archives Group of the High Energy Astrophysics Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
Summary
This is the position of Astrophysicist (Technical Assistant) in the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) Data System Operations/Archives Group of the High Energy Astrophysics Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
This position is open to all qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. Selection to be made at the grade 09 or grade 11. If selected at the grade 09 the applicant maybe non competitively promoted to the higher grade level up to the grade 11 level upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.
The purpose of the position is two-fold: (1) to provide technical support for the operation of the Chandra Data Archive; and (2) provide computer-related support of X-ray astronomy operations and research with the Observatory, including coding, modifying, testing, and maintaining software for archive operations; developing and maintaining documentation; and drafting and maintaining materials for websites.
Maintain databases for science data archiving software and science data products. Ensure that incoming science data are archived, distributed to users, and made available to the public in a timely fashion. Develop and organize a database of science data reduction results for use by scientific staff. Write software code to access and correct the databases. Trace science archiving errors if anomalous situations arise and make any necessary modifications to the databases. Refine operational procedures as needed and document them in an Operations Handbook.
Participate in the maintenance of the bibliography database. Ensure that bibcodes are classified in a timely fashion. Follow-up with authors when obtaining data links. Refine classification procedures as needed and document them in an Operations Handbook. Classification consists of reading and analyzing astronomical papers which use Chandra data and documenting how the data was used based on criteria developed by the archive scientists.
Work as a team member in designing, coding and testing a suite of software scripts to automate quality control and science archive maintenance procedures. Implement an associated automated system of alerts so science data archiving and data distribution problems can be addressed in a timely fashion. Maintain configuration control of the archive operations automated system. Design entire system to be fully integrated with efficient coding techniques, code review, and full documentation.
Develop numerical algorithms to be used in science archive and data quality assessment in collaboration with staff scientists. Design, code, test and debug software. Generate and maintain software documentation. Analyze data and draw conclusions regarding the quality, selection, reliability, and scientific content of the data. Assist scientific staff in acquiring data. Organize and summarize results in reports for the scientific staff to utilize in their research. Develop, test, and modify new and existing computer code to accomplish these data analysis activities.
5 Performs other related duties as assigned.
In addition to the duties above duties at the grade 11 may include but are not limited to:
Process data acquired by the Chandra X-Ray Observatory using standard data processing software system and automated tools with gui interface. Ensure timely and accurate processing of the data products. Produce quick-look data for evaluation of instrument performance. Modify the processing configuration when necessary to produce test data or reprocess data with improved calibrations and software. Reprocess the entire Chandra dataset with the most current software when appropriate.
Perform Validation and Verification (V&V) on the data products produced for science observations from Chandra.evaluate each observation for compliance with observer’s requests, acceptable instrument and spacecraft performance, correct data reduction procedures, and the scientific usefulness of the data. Analyze the data and draw conclusions regarding the quality, selection, reliability, and scientific content of the data. Inform observer of any issues with the observation that would affect the scientific conclusions. Evaluate quantitative parameters concerning instrument and spacecraft performance against thresholds. Determine when reprocessing of the data would be beneficial and direct that activity. Alert the observer and appropriate internal staff when a problem is identified in the data.
Perform Quality Assurance (QA) of the products of the pipeline for the processing of the Chandra Source Catalog. Evaluate each QA for compliance with the scientific standards of the catalog, and correct issues according to pre-determined procedures to allow smooth processing of the catalog. Ensure timely delivery of QAs and provide feedback to the technical and scientific team responsible for the catalog.
Assist the DPAOps team lead in the interface with other DS teams and CXC groups as necessary by reporting on the status of data processing
Must participate in direct deposit/electronic funds for salary payment
Pre- and post-appointment background investigation is required.
May be required to serve a one-year probationary period
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 the basic requirements, candidates for the grade 09 must also possess one of the following:
2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree
or 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level 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 experience in the operations of an astronomical mission or astronomical data archive.
or Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
In addition to the basic requirements, candidates for the grade 11 must also possess one of the following:
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or
1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level 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 experience in the operations of an astronomical mission and astronomical data archive, and the analysis of astronomical data.
or Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
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/Standards/IORs/gs1300/1330.htm. Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days after the closing date of announcement.
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.
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions.
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.
Knowledge of physics and astronomy to be able to analyze data, draw conclusions, and organize and summarize information pertaining to the data
Knowledge of mathematics to be able to develop and analyze algorithms and perform the necessary calculations to develop code
Knowledge of efficient programming techniques and computer equipment, utilizing PERL, Python, or similar scripting languages, and HTML, along with SWO, DB management and the Unix operating system.
Knowledge of configuration management and accepted testing procedure for software systems
Skill in analyzing problems and developing solutions with emphasis on automated solutions
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 Summary of research interests (1-2 pages) Names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three 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
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 Summary of research interests (1-2 pages) Names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three 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
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.
