ASTROPHYSICIST

Summary

This is the position of Astrophysicist, Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is to serve as the next-generation Observational Astrophysicist (ngO) and lead a forefront scientific research program within the broad areas of astronomy and astrophysics made possible by new space-based observatories including, but not limited to, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

Duties

• The duties listed are at the full performance GS-14 grade level.
• Formulate, conduct, and lead independent and original scientific research in galactic astrophysics using next-generation space-based observatories.
• Develop research plans and hypotheses and carries them through to completion.
• Utilize public or proprietary datasets, observational data, simulations, and theoretical models to accomplish research objectives.
• Develop and lead a research team in galactic astrophysics consisting of postdoctoral researchers and graduate and undergraduate students.
• Mentor and support the professional development of postdoctoral researchers and students.
• Identifiy external funding opportunities to develop and submit proposals to support the research team.
• Prepare scientific and technical papers describing research results, techniques, and interpretations for publication in professional journals.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific or technical meetings, conferences, and within the CfA.
• Consult and collaborate with scientists within OIR and the CfA to identify and pursue new ground based and space-based research programs.
• Develop and submit proposals for extramural funding for collaborative research to government agencies, such as NASA and NSF, and to philanthropic or other sponsoring organizations
• Participate in the national and international astrophysical community and serves scientific and technical committees internal and external to the CfA.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: (GS-1330 Astronomy and Space Science) Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics. The course work must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics. OR Combination of education and experience -- 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, plus appropriate experience or additional education. GS-14 Specialized Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as a record of peer reviewed publications based on the results of independent and original programs of astrophysical research utilizing observations from space-based telescopes, leadership in national and international initiatives to utilize the next generation of space-based telescopes, and demonstrated ability to develop and mentor a research team in a specialty field of astrophysics. Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/astronomy-and-space-science-series-1330/

Education

Please see Qualifications Section for Education Requirements.