Physical Scientist (IS-1301-09)

Application Deadline: 18 November 2024

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $67,743 - $88,065 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: November 12, 2024
CLOSING DATE: November 18, 2024
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Atomic and Molecular Physics 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 a position of Physical Scientist in the HITRAN group of the Atomic and Molecular Physics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of this position is to carry out important updates or new inclusions of molecular spectroscopic data into the HITRAN database. The data needs to be identified and evaluated. Results have to be communicated to the community to be included into radiative transfer codes used in modeling terrestrial and planetary atmospheres.  

MAJOR DUTIES

• Assist in identifying molecules for which molecular spectroscopic data are required for planetary atmospheric research, but are either not available in HITRAN or of not sufficient quality. 
• Carry out searches for experimental or theoretical data for these molecules and identify the best data through cross-comparing sources and atmospheric data, as well as collecting feedback from the atmospheric community. HITRAN formalism dictates that users are provided with only one recommended source. The employee will have to create a set of programs that can automate the process of data conversion and validation to whatever degree possible.
• Compile data in a consistent format to be uploaded to www.hitran.org 
• Write publications and prepare conference presentations, describing the efforts above. 
• Assist in updating the HITRAN website to accommodate new data and instructions for the users.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMEN