This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/694199600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
This is the position of Astrophysicist (Technical Assistant) at the developmental trainee level in the Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Sciences Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, providing technical support for science planning and operations in the TESS Science Office (TSO) at SAO. The primary purpose of the position is to contribute to the confirmation and characterization of transiting planet candidates identified by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).
Learn more about this agency12/12/2022 to 02/06/2023
$64,251 - $83,523 per year
IS 09
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
No
Temporary - Trust Fund, Temporary not to exceed one year with a possibility of extension for an additional two years.
Full-time - Full Time
Competitive
09
No
No
23-20
694199600
All qualified candidates First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date
The primary purpose of the position is to contribute to the confirmation and characterization of transiting planet candidates identified by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). At the developmental trainee level, assignments combine the performance of productive work with orientation and supervised on-the-job training in areas such as computer programming, developing and analyzing algorithms, data reduction and analysis, and documenting and organizing results.
Assignments are expected to allow the trainee to carry out progressively more difficult and responsible tasks.
Duties:
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 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 an 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 with photometric transit observing, data reduction, interpretation of the results, and writing up the results using LaTeX for professional scientific journals. Skills should also include competency in Google Sheets programming, Overleaf, and coding in python. Experience with Java is a plus.
OR
Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
Qualification requirements are derived from the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/astronomy-and-space-science-series-1330/ Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days after the closing date of the announcement.
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
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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. Applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
Detailed resume.
School transcripts or degree certificate.
Proof of U. S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
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.
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This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/694199600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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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!