Job description
Duties
- 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.
- 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.
- Assist in maintaining data processing pipelines and high-level local archives of in situ data products from ongoing heliophysics missions.
- Formulate and conduct independent research on the dynamics of the solar corona, the solar wind and energetic particle processes using both archival and proprietary data from space- and ground-based observations. Develop hypotheses, determine the most fruitful investigations, formulate research plans and observations, and analyze and interpret data.
- Prepare papers presenting research results for publication in scientific journals and presentation at conferences. Participate in scientific meetings and conferences to discuss current research with other scientists.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
In addition to the above duties at the grade 13 may include, but are not limited to:
- Conduct a program of advanced studies in solar-stellar physics, capitalizing on SAO-led space- and ground-based experiments.
- Formulate an independent research program of considerable scope and complexity in areas which are new and unexplored, by locating and exploring the most fruitful avenues of research to study. Formulate research plans and hypotheses and carry them through to completion by submitting proposals, developing models, reducing and analyzing data, interpreting findings (taking full responsibility for technical accuracy), determining the applicability of findings to activities and interests of the Division and the Observatory, and publishing the conclusions. Apply findings in the preparation of and for such future programs.
- Interact with members of the High Energy Solar-Stellar X-ray Group (SSXG) at SAO and other scientists and support staff for SSXG flight programs, to define and carry out scientific analyses, take part in data reduction and analysis, generate requirements and specifications for scientific programs, develop analysis plans, analyze and review scientific data and observations, and correct or enhance the data analysis system.
- Work with scientists at SAO and at various institutions to coordinate activities in areas such as planning observing programs and carrying out observations at various wavelengths and particle energies.
- Participate in the development of new instrumentation for use in ground-based and spacecraft observatories.
- Participate in the development of analysis software for the relevant scientific studies; develop new analysis procedures for data from SSXG flight programs and other astronomical data sources; provide input and guidance to others on enhancements and features to include in the scientific data processing and data analysis activities.
In addition to the above duties at the grade 14 include but are not limited to:
- Conceive of and develop new instrumentation for use in ground-based and spacecraft observatories.
- Direct and manage research staff, pre- and post-doctoral researchers, engineers and other research participants as required. Organize, plan, and supervise the activities of said staff. Assign personnel to projects, set priorities, establish deadlines, monitor progress, review work, recommend and/or take disciplinary action, give advice, counsel, or instruction to team members, determine training needs and arrange for training as appropriate, interview and hire new team members, approve leave.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
- Pre- and post-appointment background investigation.
- Direct Deposit/Elect Funds Transfer required for salary payment.
- First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements: A)Degree in one of a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science or electronics, including course work in differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy or physics; OR
B)A combination of education and experience equivalent to A above including at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics with required course work as shown in A above.
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below:
Grade 12
A. Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree
or
B. A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. This experience includes producing publications and experience conducting independent research programs in an academic or research environment; knowledge of scientific computing for astrophysical data analysis and application of analytic techniques in a research or similar environment.
or
C. A combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above
Grade 13:
A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 12 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. This experience includes producing publications, obtaining research funding, and conducting independent research programs in an academic or research environment that have answered important questions in the field. It also includes mastery of scientific computing, software development for astrophysical data analysis, and/or application of advanced analytic techniques in a research or similar environment.
Grade 14:
A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 13 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. This includes experience identifying and leading major new scientific development initiatives. It also includes participating in research planning activities significant to the broader scientific community, including advisory committees, scientific workshops, conferences, etc. Experience supervising scientific, technical, and/or administrative staff is strongly desirable at this level.
Qualification requirements are derived from the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1300/1330.htm.
Additional information
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
A recruitment bonus may be paid
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
- Broad knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and physics, as would be evidenced by a PhD in Physics or Astronomy
- Broad knowledge of the field of space physics, as evidenced by publications which have answered questions in the field or have contributed to significant advances in knowledge
- Knowledge of the design principles, sources of error, and measurement and fabrication techniques associated with space-based instruments and experiments. Demonstrated capabilities in this area, particularly with space-based solar wind and energetic particle instruments, are highly desirable
- Knowledge of the operation of space-borne observatories and other satellite elements so that the employee can provide guidance towards optimizing an integrated instrument system
- Knowledge of the application of computer and analytic techniques to the solution of scientific problems
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Your application package must include the
following documents:- Detailed resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
- School transcripts or degree certificate
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
- Name, telephone number and email address of three (3) professional references.
- 1-2 page summary of research interests
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:- You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
- You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process;
OR
You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package. - The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
- If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
Agency contact information
Mary Hebert
Phone
617-496-7816
Fax
617-495-7263
Email
mhebert@cfa.harvard.edu
Address
SMITHSONIAN
60 Garden Street, MS 17
Suite 5060
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United StatesNext steps
You will receive an automated email acknowledgement that your application has been received. This may take several hours. We often receive a large number of applications for a job. We review each application carefully, and this process may take a few weeks. As we go through each round of review, we will send you an email to date you on your status.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
Your application package must include the
following documents:
- Detailed resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
- School transcripts or degree certificate
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
- Name, telephone number and email address of three (3) professional references.
- 1-2 page summary of research interests
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This job is open to
-
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
This position is open to all qualified candidates. 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).
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