This is the position of Astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division (HEAD) of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is to contribute to the work of the Science Mission Planning group in the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC), working with CXC staff and NASA to maximize scientific accomplishments of the mission.
Summary
This is the position of Astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division (HEAD) of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is to contribute to the work of the Science Mission Planning group in the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC), working with CXC staff and NASA to maximize scientific accomplishments of the mission.
The primary responsibilities will be in mission planning and scheduling activities. The employee will also be expected to carry out scientific research in the field of X-ray astronomy, which is expected to contribute to significant advances in the understanding of high-energy astrophysical phenomenon.
Duties may include but are not limited to:
Serve as the principle resource concerning the scheduling activities of the Mission Planning Group. This includes working on technical issues pertaining to long-term and short-term schedules, representing Mission Planning in technical meetings, supporting technical review of Chandra proposals and observing plans, and working with group members to develop solutions.
Carry out specific investigations of science planning activities and procedures, including solutions to unanticipated spacecraft or instrument events. Conduct the analysis for these studies, developing computer algorithms as necessary and supervise their implementation, testing, and documentation. Interpret the results of these investigations, doing theoretical calculations when appropriate. Work actively to exchange ideas with other groups and institutions involved in similar activities.
Prepare long- and short-term schedules, review load products, and interact with observers and CXC staff to ensure the scientific goals of proposed observations are achieved. Interface closely with the CXC Flight Operations Team (FOT) to ensure timely scheduling of approved Chandra observations.
Determine relevant and fruitful areas for research, and conceive, propose, and carry out observational and data analysis efforts directed towards a wide range of astrophysical systems utilizing X-ray and other ground- and space-based facilities. Formulate plans and hypotheses in areas which are new and unexplored, or which have presented critical obstacles in the past, and carry them through to completion. Prepare research grant proposals.
Communicate research results through preparation of papers for publication in scientific journals and/or conference proceedings. Give presentations at professional meetings. Maintain awareness of new problems and techniques through communication with other scientists.
Participate in overall astronomy programs of the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC), the High Energy Astrophysics Division, and in overall scientific programs at SAO. Interact with scientists at SAO and other institutions to coordinate activities such as scientific observations and analysis, software development, and overall planning in astronomy.
Referee papers submitted to scientific journals and participate on NASA peer review committees.
May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Pre- and post-appointment background investigation.
Direct Deposit/Elect Funds Transfer required for salary payment.
First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date.
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Qualifications
Basic Requirements: A)Degree in one of 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.
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 12
A. Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree
or
B. A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. This experience includes a thorough knowledge of physics/astrophysics; knowledge of current (preferably X-ray) astronomy experimental and data analysis techniques; knowledge of spacecraft and observatory instrumentation, scientific programming, modern methods of software generation, verification and documentation, and Unix-type operating systems; knowledge of the application of modern computing techniques to the solution of scientific problems; skill in developing proposals for astronomical observations; ability to present findings in a publishable format and to present materials at professional meetings; and the ability to function in a large, inter-organizational experimental group
or
C. A combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above
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.
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 astronomy, physics, or astrophysics, particularly in the specific field of X-ray astronomy, as evidenced by publications which have contributed to significant advances in knowledge.
Ability to define and solve problems which arise in astrophysical research, with particular emphasis on research involving X-ray emission, as part of conducting independent scientific research.
Ability to communicate effectively the results of research and technical work orally and in writing
Knowledge of spacecraft operations procedures as pertaining to the planning and scheduling of astronomical observations.
Advanced knowledge of computer techniques, systems, and programs as applied to experiments and data analysis, including modern methods of software generation, verification, and documentation
Skill in interpersonal relations to: collaborate effectively with a diverse team of scientific and technical experts; interface effectively with diverse outside organizations (government, university, industry); and communicate and work with scientists inside and outside SAO
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.
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 and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. 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.
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
60 Garden Street, MS 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an automated email acknowledgement 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.
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 and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. 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.
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
60 Garden Street, MS 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an automated email acknowledgement 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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
