Astronomer IS-1330-07

Smithsonian; Arizona; On-site; USD 51,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Amado, AZ seeks an Astronomer IS-1330-07 to support VERITAS gamma-ray telescope operations and scheduled observing shifts. The role involves data collection, calibrations, and contributing to observing procedures and data workflows.

The position is a Trust Fund, full performance level IS-07, with duties spanning instrument operation, data evaluation, and collaborative scientific work within the observatory's optical and infrared programs.

Responsibilities

• Operates VERITAS gamma-ray telescopes during scheduled observing shifts from on-site or remote-control rooms.
• Implements observing scripts, calibrations, and system checks; ensures data quality and instrument readiness.
• Acquires, processes, and evaluates gamma-ray astronomical data, including calibrations and preliminary data reduction.
• Contributes to development and improvement of telescope operations, observing procedures, and data workflows.
• Maintains observing logs and technical reports; supports meetings, training, and outreach.

Job description

Astronomer IS-1330-07

Application Deadline: 5 October 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Amado, AZ

Compensation: $51,417 - $66,843 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: 09/29/2026
CLOSING DATE: 10/05/2026
SERIES/GRADE: IS-1330-07
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Temporary Not to Exceed 11 Months (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division
LOCATION: Amado, AZ
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION: The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY: The position serves as an Astronomical Observer supporting science and test operations of the VERITAS array of gamma-ray telescopes. The incumbent operates gamma-ray telescopes and associated instrumentation during scheduled observing shifts; monitors telescope, instrument, and environmental performance; acquires and evaluates astronomical imaging data; and supports visiting and staff astronomers during scientific and engineering observations. The position also contributes to the development, refinement, and improvement of observing procedures, operational documentation, and data acquisition and reduction workflows.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Operates VERITAS gamma-ray telescopes during scheduled science and test observing shifts from on-site or remote-control rooms including telescope startup and shutdown, instrument configuration, target acquisition, and execution of observing programs in accordance with approved observing plans.
• Implements observing scripts, calibrations, and system checks; ensures data quality and instrument readiness; and monitors environmental and system conditions to maintain safe and optimal operations.
• Acquires, processes, and evaluates gamma-ray astronomical data, including performing calibrations (e.g., mirror-alignment, pointing monitor, PSF, T-point, reflectivity, flat field, bias curves), assessing data quality, and conducting / monitoring preliminary data reduction and analysis to determine data completeness, integrity, and scientific usability.
• Contributes to the development, testing, and improvement of telescope operations by participating in the refinement of observing procedures, operational documentation, instrumentation workflows, data reduction pipelines, and software tools supporting gamma-ray observations.
• Participates in professional development, coordination, and communication activities, including preparing observing logs and technical reports, participating in meetings, and supporting training or outreach activities.
• Assists in maintaining scientific databases, ensuring data integrity, updating metadata, and performing routine validation checks.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Duties listed are at a Full Performance Level IS-07

QUALIFICATION