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

Application Deadline: 20 November 2024

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Temporary

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $81,963 - $106,549 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: October 21, 2024
CLOSING DATE: November 20, 2024
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund (Non-Federal), Temporary Not to Exceed Two (2) Years with the Possibility of Extension for an Additional Year.
DIVISION: High Energy Astrophysics Division
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA  02138
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 time-limited position for an Astrophysicist (Post-doctoral Research Fellow) in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The employee works under the direction of an Astrophysicist within the 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 scientist will undertake and develop a program of research for electron dynamics and acceleration at high and low Mach number astrophysical/heliospheric shock waves propagating into a turbulent medium, and compare the numerical results with observations from Chandra, XMM-Newton, NuSTAR but also Parker Solar Probe, Wind, ACE. The study involves the coding with Particle-in-Cell (fully kinetic scale approach), perform post-analysis of the code output and use the numerical results to interpret data obtained with space-based facilities, and the presentation and publication of significant scientific results. 
 

MAJOR DUTIES

• Participate in and carry out scientific research involving a program of numerical studies on supernova remnant shocks and interplanetary shocks in the heliosphere.
• Participate in the preparation and submission of proposals for studies using appropriate space-based facilities.
• Expand an existing Particle-in-Cell code by implementing and testing new routines, analyze the results.