This is the position of Astrophysicist (Technical Assistant) at the developmental trainee level in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The position is split 50/50 between the Chandra Director’s Office and the Science Data System Planning groups. At the developmental trainee level, assignments combine the performance of productive work with orientation and supervised on-the-job training.
Summary
This is the position of Astrophysicist (Technical Assistant) at the developmental trainee level in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The position is split 50/50 between the Chandra Director’s Office and the Science Data System Planning groups. At the developmental trainee level, assignments combine the performance of productive work with orientation and supervised on-the-job training.
This position is open to all qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. Selection is to be made at grade 7. The employee may be non-competitively promoted to the next higher grade level upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on position classification requirements and satisfactory employee performance and qualifications.
The purpose of the position is two-fold: (1) to provide technical support for the operation of the Chandra Data Archive and (2) to 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.
Develop, update and maintain web-based material concerning the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its use for scientific observations under the supervision of a staff scientist. This may include posting or updating web pages containing information on the Chandra instruments, how to propose for science observations, how to determine the status of observations, how to download observations and how to analyze the data for scientific research.
Provide technical assistance to Chandra scientists and observers worldwide concerning the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its use for scientific research. This frequently involves researching information from CXC web pages and/or staff and/or working with science data or software and relaying it to the observer via the web, email, or in person. It may also involve troubleshooting science datasets or software and tracking software bugs.
Assist in the management of science proposals and information and provide technical support throughout the Chandra CfP cycle. Activities relating to the management of proposals may entail testing and updating documentation, answering questions from users specific to writing research proposals, ensuring receipt of proposals, reviewing proposals for errors in content or format, making correctly formatted proposals available to CXC staff and Peer Review participants, and assisting in the sorting and scientific classification process of proposals.
Assist in the overall Chandra outreach program to the scientific and general community. This involves helping organize the Chandra presence at scientific (for example, AAS, HEAD or APS) or outreach conferences, interacting with the Chandra science community and the public and supporting computer demonstrations
Test new or updated software in preparation for its release to the astronomical community. Report errors and provide input for documentation to ensure that products and their documentation are user-friendly. This may include software for science data analysis, science proposal planning and submission and data search and retrieval.
Provide assistance and support to scientists at professional meetings related to CXO, including computer demonstrations, technical support, and assistance in preparing and/or presenting papers or talks.
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
All applicants must meet these 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
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 meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below:
Grade 7: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the grade 5 level in the normal line of progression for the occupation. Specialized experience is an experience that has equipped the applicant with the competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, such as basic knowledge of some astronomical software packages and programming languages. Or the experience in document writing or supporting users.
OR Completion of one year of graduate level education
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 or astronomy to be able to understand the basic scientific concepts pertaining to the data
Skill in oral and written communication
Knowledge of Unix or Linux or MacOS
Knowledge of computer scripting (e.g., python or perl) to be able to write shell scripts and modify databases
Basic Knowledge of HTML and CSS for internal CXC WWW maintenance and technical support as needed
Skill in analyzing problems and developing 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 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 Cambridge, MA 02138
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 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 Cambridge, MA 02138
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.
