This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/545838500. 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) in the Data Systems (DS) division of the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC), which is part of the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The employee will undertake a significant role in the CXC, working with CXC science and IT specialist staff to maximize the scientific return of the data obtained by the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
09/16/2019 to 01/23/2020
$101,585 - $132,064 per year
IS 13
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-time
Competitive
13
No
No
19-76
545838500
This position is open to all qualified candidates. First selection may be made 14 days after the position is announced.
The employee reports to the Chandra X-ray Center Data System (CXCDS) manager, and provides scientific coordination of, and input to, the design, development, and integration of software to support the CXC’s scientific fitting data analysis package and other scientific software supported by the group. The employee is expected to conduct a program of research in the area of x-ray astronomy and high energy astrophysics with Chandra and other observatories.
Duties may include but are not limited to:
Lead the design, development, testing and implementation of advanced data analysis algorithms to meet the science requirements. Interface with science staff at the highest project levels to obtain requirements specified by the science team. Stay current with community needs through meetings, reading literature, and researching options and communicating them to the group. Provide technical guidance to scientists and realizable technical solutions to their complex problems.
Evaluate advanced scientific and numerical algorithms taking into consideration the rapidly evolving technology and where the trends and future are in astronomical data analysis systems. Recommend new algorithms to the science team where appropriate. Manage algorithm scalability and efficiency in relation to the data and processing. Obtain necessary data to verify requirements and test software. Create simulated data for self and others when actual data is unavailable.
Design and implement software following the CXC software design standards, applicable vendor's literature, and established CXC practices; conduct software development at the subsystem and component levels by estimating schedules and working to them, and ensuring compliance with standards throughout the process. Ensure HEASARC FITS standards and IVOA standards are followed and adhered to when appropriate.
Conceive and conduct a program of independent observational or theoretical research with x-ray satellite observations and with other space and ground-based facilities. Identify and define areas of study and determine what appear to be the most fruitful investigations and approaches to the area of study. Formulate hypotheses, develop a research plan and perform the research, and prepare reports of the findings for presentation at astrophysical meetings or publication in astrophysical journals.
Participate in meetings and conferences to discuss current research, projects, and development with other scientists and project personnel.
Applicants must meet the basic qualification requirements as described in the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions. These standards may be viewed at the following address on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1300/1330.htm
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 meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below:
Grade 13:
A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 12 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. The experience includes activities such as software development for astronomy applications for self and others.
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses but may pay a recruitment bonus. The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
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.
This is a Trust fund position. Please refer to our website:http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/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.
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
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.
This is a Trust fund position. Please refer to our website:http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Detailed resume or CV and bibliography
Names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. If you do not have a social security number please contact the point of contact listed for information. Please Note:
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.
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.
Detailed resume or CV and bibliography
Names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. If you do not have a social security number please contact the point of contact listed for information. Please Note:
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.
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.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/545838500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
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!