Physicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow), IS-1310-11

Application Deadline: 29 March 2025

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Temporary

Location: Cambridge, MA

Reporting To: 25-68

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

Description

OPENING DATE: 3/25/2025
CLOSING DATE:  3/29/2025
SERIES/GRADE: 1310/11
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund Temporary (Non-Federal), Not To Exceed Two Years, with a possibility of an extension for a third year. 
DIVISION: Atomic 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, 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 Physicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Atomic and Molecular Physics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of this position is to train postdoctoral researchers to conceive, plan, and conduct highly specialized research in atmospheric chemistry and remote sensing. The incumbent will perform scholarly research and participate in making contributions to the fields of physical science.

MAJOR DUTIES

The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will perform research on atmospheric composition measurements using Earth satellite observations. The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will be part of a research group working to design, implement, and improve software for atmospheric measurements. The work will include advancing measurements from TEMPO, OMI and other low Earth satellite instruments and performing scientific research using those measurements.
1. Define scientific and system requirements to develop and evaluate advanced scientific and numerical algorithms. This will involve improving algorithms for the remote sensing of atmospheric constituents and obtaining necessary data to verify final products.2. Participate in the definition and design of methodologies to obtain required results.3. Assist other scientists and/or programmers in developing and applying software for satellite measurements of atmospheric composition.
4. Perform scientific studies involving atmospheric measurements, glo