Astronomer.

Smithsonian Institution; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution invites applications for a position supporting astronomical observing operations at a remote observatory. You will operate the SMA during scheduled science, advise on observing strategies, and ensure safety and reliability of telescope systems.

Experience with data reduction and software like CASA, MIRIAD, or IDL is valued. You will work rotating shifts including evenings and nights, and travel to Maunakea for accessibility and operations.

Qualifications

• Degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics with calculus and astronomy/physics coursework.
• One year of graduate-level education in astronomy/physics may substitute specialized experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate the SMA during scheduled science, handling startup/shutdown, array setup, and program execution.
• Advise on observing strategies and provide technical guidance on system capabilities and constraints.
• Follow safety protocols to protect personnel, equipment, and observatory operations.
• Monitor real-time telescope and environmental performance, identify and resolve anomalies.
• Maintain logs, perform routine system checks, and document operational issues.
• Assist with data analysis and interpretation, including CASA, MIRIAD, or IDL.
• Contribute to modification or development of observational and data-reduction software.
• Modify code to automate tasks and improve workflow efficiency.
• Maintain organized directories and comprehensive documentation for reproducibility.
• Prepare concise observational results summaries and data-processing steps.
• Present briefings on tasks during team meetings.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and senior astronomers to advance mission objectives.

Skills

Safety protocols

Observing strategies

Data analysis

Technical guidance

Education

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

Graduate-level astronomy/physics coursework

Tools

CASA

MIRIAD

IDL

Job description

• Operate the SMA during scheduled science, handling telescope startup/shutdown, array setup, and program execution.
• Support the SMA scheduler by advising on observing strategies and providing technical guidance on system capabilities and operational constraints.
• Strictly follow established safety protocols during telescope operations and maintenance to protect personnel, equipment, and observatory operations.
• Monitor telescope, instrumentation, and environmental performance in real time, including pointing and data quality, to promptly identify, troubleshoot, and resolve anomalies.
• Monitor system status continuously, document operational issues thoroughly, and perform routine maintenance activities such as log verification and system checks.
• Participate actively in the analysis and interpretation of test data, which may include the precise integration of pointing data acquired from optical and radio observations and from tilt meters into a global model of antenna performance.
• Assist visiting and staff astronomers with astronomical observations and evaluate scientific data, including detailed data analysis with astronomical image processing software such as CASA, MIRIAD, or IDL.
• Participate actively in the modification or development of observational and data reduction software.
• Modify existing code under supervision to effectively automate repetitive tasks, optimize data processing, or improve overall workflow efficiency.
• Maintain highly organized directories, detailed metadata, and comprehensive documentation for ensuring scientific reproducibility.
• Prepare clear, concise summaries of observational results and complex dataprocessing steps for team review.
• Present informative short briefings on assigned tasks during regular team meetings.
• Collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, and senior astronomers to support and advance mission objectives.

Duties

• Operate the SMA during scheduled science, handling telescope startup/shutdown, array setup, and program execution.
• Support the SMA scheduler by advising on observing strategies and providing technical guidance on system capabilities and operational constraints.
• Strictly follow established safety protocols during telescope operations and maintenance to protect personnel, equipment, and observatory operations.
• Monitor telescope, instrumentation, and environmental performance in real time, including pointing and data quality, to promptly identify, troubleshoot, and resolve anomalies.
• Monitor system status continuously, document operational issues thoroughly, and perform routine maintenance activities such as log verification and system checks.
• Participate actively in the analysis and interpretation of test data, which may include the precise integration of pointing data acquired from optical and radio observations and from tilt meters into a global model of antenna performance.
• Assist visiting and staff astronomers with astronomical observations and evaluate scientific data, including detailed data analysis with astronomical image processing software such as CASA, MIRIAD, or IDL.
• Participate actively in the modification or development of observational and data reduction software.
• Modify existing code under supervision to effectively automate repetitive tasks, optimize data processing, or improve overall workflow efficiency.
• Maintain highly organized directories, detailed metadata, and comprehensive documentation for ensuring scientific reproducibility.
• Prepare clear, concise summaries of observational results and complex dataprocessing steps for team review.
• Present informative short briefings on assigned tasks during regular team meetings.
• Collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, and senior astronomers to support and advance mission objectives.

Requirements

The SMA facilities include laboratory and industrial settings that require cognizance and observance of documented precautions regarding heavy equipment, cutting and welding operations, high voltage, chemicals, LN2 or other cryogens, and other potentially hazardous conditions, materials, or practices. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when required.

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation.
• Selectee may be required to serve a probationary period.
• This position supports astronomical observing operations and requires participation in a rotating work schedule that includes evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Work is performed at a remote observatory site.
• Work is conducted in low-light environments and may involve extended computer use, outdoor exposure to weather conditions, and occasional lifting or handling of scientific equipment.
• Passing a high altitude physical examination.
  • Frequent trips will be necessary to the SMA telescope on Maunakea at 4075 m (13375 ft) altitude, which experiences a broad range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and high winds. Travel to the telescope over the mountain access road can be hazardous. Some outdoor work is involved, for example to adjust systems in the antenna cabins.

Qualifications

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

Basic Education Requirement

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-1330 Astronomy and Space Science Series)

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