Astrophysicist (IS-1330-12/13/14)

Application Deadline: 30 September 2024

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $98,240 - $179,462 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: August 1, 2024
CLOSING DATE: September 30, 2024
SERIES/GRADE: IS-1330-12/13/14
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: High Energy Astrophysics
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.  First consideration maybe made 14 days after the opening date.  Selection will be made at the grade 12, 13 or 14 grade level. If selection is made at the grade 12 or 13  level the selectee may be non-competitively promoted to the next higher level up to the grade 14, upon  the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, qualifications of the employee and recommendation of the Professional Accomplishments Evaluation Committee ( PAEC).
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 and 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 in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.  Working under the direction of a senior astrophysicist on space instrument programs for solar and heliospheric research, the employee participates in the operation of active space missions and data centers, and directs the development of new algorithms for the data processing and calibration of instruments for use in space.

MAJOR DUTIES

1. Participate in the design, development, and operation of space instruments for detecting and measuring thermal plasma and energetic particles. Take part in analyzing experimental data and interpreting experimental results.
2. Participate in laboratory experiments, simulations, and studies to evaluate the design, performance, and calibration of heliophysics instruments. Develop and write test procedures, test reports, and memoranda for dissemination throughout the instrument teams in order to ensure adequate documentation of the testing process.