Astrophysicist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) (IS-1330-11)

Application Deadline: 16 January 2025

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Temporary

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $83,742 - $108,859 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: January 7, 2025
CLOSING DATE: January 16, 2025
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund (Non-Federal), Temporary Not to Exceed 5/30/25 with the Possibility of Extension Not to Exceed 1 Year.
DIVISION: Solar Stellar and Planetary Sciences Division
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA  
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable. 
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.  Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants. 

SUMMARY
This is the position of Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the SSP Division. The purpose of this position is to train postdoctoral researchers to conceive, plan and conduct highly specialized research in the incumbent's area of expertise. The incumbent will be expected to perform scholarly research and participate in making contributions to the field of physical science. 
 
 

MAJOR DUTIES

1.        Conduct a program of research and scholarship in the area of stellar physics under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator2.        Assists in the development of software and procedures of the reduction, analysis and interpretation of data as needed; or assists in the development of analytical methods and/or software to model physical processes and conditions; or assists in the development of scientific instrumentation for the collection of data, as needed.3.        Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which engaged, for example prepare papers for publication in scientific journals, prepare and present findings at scientific meetings, as required. 4.        Support, as required, the development of proposals for research funding.5.        Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of your research group, School and Institute.6.        Mentor and assist, as appropriate and as directed, the research graduate students in your area of research. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS<