Research Administrative Services Supervisor, (IS-1102-14)

Application Deadline: 17 October 2025

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $141,041 - $183,353 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: September 26, 2024
CLOSING DATE: October 17, 2024
SERIES/GRADE:  1102- 14
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Director's Office 
LOCATION:  Cambridge, MA 
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates. Applicants who have already applied to Job Posting #25-110 do not need to reapply and will remain under consideration  
 
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
The Research Administrative Services lead oversees a multifaceted office, primarily responsible for properly administrating the SAO-sponsored research activity. The Incumbent is responsible for the management and overall operation of all aspects of research administration at SAO research, including 1) the submission and administration of sponsored awards, 2) compliance, 3) cost analysis, 4) subawards administration, and 5) external relations.  The individual is also responsible for overseeing the execution, administration, and closeout of Chandra XRay Center [CXC] scientific observing and Einstein postdoctoral fellowship subgrants on behalf of NASA.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Oversee a staff of ten professionals responsible for developing, submitting, and overseeing sponsored awards at SAO, including more than 200 proposals worth over $90M in annual research expenditures.   
• Oversee research proposal development by proactively seeking and disseminating information about potential funding opportunities from various sources, including government agencies, foundations, and industry partners.
• Responsible for pre-award sponsored program functions at SAO, including coordination, review, and submission of all proposals to a variety of sponsors, e.g., Federal government agencies, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, private founda