Astronomer

Smithsonian; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithsonian Institution seeks an Astronomical Observer to support Submillimeter Array operations, conducting scheduled observing shifts and operating submillimeter radio astronomy instrumentation. The role includes monitoring systems and acquiring data for astronomical and engineering tests.

Responsibilities include supporting visiting and staff astronomers during scientific observations, ensuring instrument performance, and contributing to data evaluation and test activities.

Qualifications

• Degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science or electronics with calculus coursework.
• Graduate-level coursework in astronomy, physics or closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Operate complex submillimeter radio astronomy instrumentation during observing shifts.
• Monitor antenna, receiver, correlator and system performance.
• Acquire and evaluate astronomical and engineering test data.
• Support visiting and staff astronomers during observations.

Skills

Telescope operation

Data analysis

Instrumentation testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in astronomy/physics/mathematics/space science/electronics

Graduate-level coursework in astronomy/physics

Tools

Submillimeter instrumentation

Job description

This position serves as an Astronomical Observer supporting science and test operations of the Submillimeter Array (SMA). The incumbent operates complex submillimeter radio astronomy instrumentation during scheduled observing shifts; monitors antenna, receiver, correlator, and system performance; acquires and evaluates astronomical and engineering test data; and supports visiting and staff astronomers during scientific and technical observations.

Applicants must meet the Basic Education Requirement and the Specialized Experience Requirement described below by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Education Requirement:

(GS-1330 Astronomy and Space Science Series)

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 07 Specialized Experience:

You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes activities such as operating a telescope at a world class or university observatory, leading or assisting with astronomical or physics research, or writing or modifying computer software either professionally or as part of class work.

OR

Education

One full year of graduate-level education in astronomy, physics, astrophysics, or a closely related physical science may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement.Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) may also be used to qualify. SAA is based on a bachelor's degree with one of the following:

A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last two years of study;

A GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for courses in the major field of study or those completed in the last two years of study;

Rank in the upper one-third of the graduating class; or

Membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

OR

Combination

Education and experience may be combined to meet qualification requirements. For a full explanation of this option, please see the Qualification Standards.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education:If 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.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work performed through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Volunteer experience helps build critical competencies and may be credited if directly related to the duties of this position.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be prorated to determine creditable experience. Applicants should clearly indicate the number of hours worked per week.