Astronomer IS-1330-11

Smithsonian Institution; Cambridge (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory seeks an Astronomer to confirm and characterize transiting planet candidates identified by NASA’s TESS. The role involves extensive analysis of photometric and spectroscopic data and publication-ready results.

The incumbent will conduct independent astronomical research focused on exoplanets and contribute to follow-up observations and reports within the Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division in Cambridge, MA.

Qualifications

• Degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics with calculus.
• Coursework includes differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy/physics.
• Combination of education and experience—major in astronomy/space science/physics/math/electronics with required coursework and experience.

Responsibilities

• Participate in TESS-related follow-up work as part of the TFOPWG.
• Perform advanced data reduction, statistical analysis, and modeling using specialized astronomical software (EXOFAST).
• Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference abstracts, and presentations.
• Conduct combined analyses to derive masses and radii for TOI host stars and companions; update ephemeris for transit events.

Education

Degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics

Tools

EXOFAST

Job description

Astronomer IS-1330-11

Application Deadline: 2 November 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $84,579 - $109,959 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: 10/29/2026
CLOSING DATE: 11/02/2026
SERIES/GRADE: IS-1330-11
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
Open only to those within the local commuting area.

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

This is the position of Astronomer, Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The primary purpose of this position is to confirm and characterize systems with transiting planet candidates identified by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The work will involve extensive analysis of photometric and spectroscopic observations of TESS Objects of interest (TOIs) and preparation of the results for publication in papers and presentations at meetings. The incumbent will also formulate and conduct original programs of independent astronomical research, with an emphasis on studies of exoplanets.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Duties listed are at a Full Performance Level IS-11.
• Participate in the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)--a NASA Explorer Class mission- -as a member of the TESS Science Office at SAO, with a focus on the work of the TESS Followup Observing Program Working Group (TFOPWG) in confirming and characterizing transiting planet candidates identified by the mission. Identifies Targets of Interest (TOIs) that are promising potential targets for transit spectroscopy with space missions such as ARIEL and JWST.
• Perform and interpret advanced data reduction, statistical analysis, and modeling using specialized astronomical software, in particular EXOFAST
• Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference abstracts, and presentations summarizing research findings.
• Conduct combined analyses of the spectroscopic and photometric results to derive masses and radii for TOI host stars and their low-mass companions using a tool such as EXOFASTv2. Updates the ephemeris for transit events to support follow-up observations such as transit spectroscopy with the above space missions.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements:

Applicants must meet the Basic Education Requirement and the specialized experience requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement

Basic Education Requirement (IS-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.