SummaryThis 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. - Lead and participate in organizing
scientific conferences and seminars
and supports SAO/CfA education
and public outreach efforts. - Provide scientific guidance and
technical expertise to students and
other scientists. - Perform other related duties as assigned.
RequirementsConditions of employment- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must successfully complete a background investigation.
- May be required to serve a one year probationary period.
- Must maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
QualificationsBasic 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/
EducationPlease see Qualifications Section for Education Requirements.
Additional informationSpecial Instructions for Foreign EducationIf you are qualifying by education and/or have education completed at a foreign college or university, you must provide transcripts and documentation verifying U.S. equivalency. See the Required Documents section of this announcement for additional information.
Grade point averages should be rounded to one decimal point. For example, 2.95 is rounded to 3.0 and 2.94 is rounded to 2.9. If more than 10 percent of undergraduate coursework was completed on a pass/fail basis, qualification under Superior Academic Achievement must be based on class standing or honor society membership.
No incentives are authorized for this position.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): If you are applying for a VEOA appointment, you must be a veteran and must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed 3 or more years of active service. ("Active Service" under this law means active duty in a uniformed service and includes full-time training duty, annual training duty, full-time National Guard duty, and attendance, while in the active service, at a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary concerned.) A veteran who is released under honorable conditions shortly before completing a 3-year tour is also eligible.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: The following links contain information on the eligibility requirements to be considered under a noncompetitive appointing authority:
- Primary Appointing Authorities for Career and Career-Conditional Appointments
- Hiring Authorities for Veterans
- People with Disabilities
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
BenefitsHelp
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.
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.
