This is the position of Physicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Atomic and Molecular Physics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of this position is to train postdoctoral researchers to conceive, plan and conduct highly specialized research in atmospheric composition measurements, including those from Earth satellites, airborne-, and ground-based instruments.
Summary
This is the position of Physicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Atomic and Molecular Physics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of this position is to train postdoctoral researchers to conceive, plan and conduct highly specialized research in atmospheric composition measurements, including those from Earth satellites, airborne-, and ground-based instruments.
The employee will be part of a research group working to design, implement, and improve software for atmospheric measurements and to perform scientific research using such measurements. The software will include advanced algorithms for converting from raw data to wavelength and radiometrically calibrated and geolocated radiance spectra, and for retrieving greenhouse gases from calibrated spectra. Research includes analyzing instrument calibration and testing data and developing calibration method, improving instrument L0 to 1 processor, and improving L1 to 2 retrieval algorithms for MethaneSAT and MethaneAIR.
1. Analyze instrument calibration test data to derive calibration coefficients, improve and develop advanced algorithms to convert from raw data to accurately calibrated and geolocated radiance spectra, and perform retrievals of greenhouse gases for MethaneAIR and MethaneSAT. 2. Participate in the implementation of algorithms on the cloud platform to make advanced atmospheric measurements. 3. Assist other scientists and/or programmers in developing programs for and in use of the satellite and airborne measurements. 4. Perform scientific studies involving atmospheric measurements, instrument calibration, atmospheric modeling, radiative transfer, tropospheric chemistry, and climate change. 5. Prepare refereed publications and present talks at professional meetings. 6. Perform other duties as may be required.
May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Direct Deposit/Elect Funds Transfer required for salary payment
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Qualifications
All applicants must meet these Basic Requirements: A. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics; OR B. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.
In addition to Basic Requirements above, you must have: a) One year of specialized experience that is equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to grade 9 level work in the Federal government. Specialized experience typically would be, successfully complete partial tasks contributing to the advancement of complex scientific projects; writing reports to detail progress on assigned tasks enhancing coordination between team members; and preparing publications and presenting talks at professional meetings. OR b) Education for Grade 11: Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR c) Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
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.
Benefits: The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, and accidental insurance. Please see more information concerning benefits at: http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/trust/table.html
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:
• Knowledge of Fortran 90/95 and Python • Knowledge of scientific software development • Knowledge of the principles and practices in the field of atmospheric science, physics or related filed, as evidenced by a PhD • Knowledge of mathematics and physics of molecular spectroscopy and satellite, airborne, and ground-based remote sensing observations • Skill in developing new software and modifying existing programs • Skill in oral and written communication as evidenced by refereed journal publications in atmospheric measurements, molecular spectroscopy, and their applications; and the ability to present findings in a publishable format
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.
Benefits: The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, and accidental insurance. Please see more information concerning benefits at: http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/trust/table.html
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.
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.
Contact by phone or email the Specialist for this posting with any questions.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
What to Expect Next: After you apply, you will receive an automated acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The staffing process to identify highly qualified candidates may take up to four weeks or more to complete. After the announcement closes and application reviews are done, you may be contacted by the hiring office if further evaluation or interviews are required. All applicants will receive written notification on the final outcome of the position.
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.
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.
Contact by phone or email the Specialist for this posting with any questions.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
What to Expect Next: After you apply, you will receive an automated acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The staffing process to identify highly qualified candidates may take up to four weeks or more to complete. After the announcement closes and application reviews are done, you may be contacted by the hiring office if further evaluation or interviews are required. All applicants will receive written notification on the final outcome of the position.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
