Astronomer IS-1330-11

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

403b Retirement Plan

Job summary

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA seeks an Astronomer to join the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) follow-up efforts. The role focuses on confirming and characterizing exoplanet candidates, analyzing photometric and spectroscopic data, and preparing results for publication.

The incumbent will conduct independent research, develop new methods, and contribute to future mission planning with space telescopes such as ARIEL and JWST.

Qualifications

• Degree: in astronomy/physics/space science with calculus and astronomy/physics coursework
• Ph.D. or equivalent education/experience required for advanced level
• Strong background in exoplanet studies and data analysis

Responsibilities

• Confirm and characterize transiting planet candidates from NASA's TESS mission.
• Perform advanced data reduction and modeling using specialized software (EXOFASTv2).
• Prepare technical reports and papers with results for publication and presentation.
• Lead collaborative analyses to derive stellar parameters and exoplanet characteristics.

Skills

Astronomical data analysis

Photometry

Spectroscopy

EXOFASTv2

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy/physics/space science

Tools

EXOFAST

Job description

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Location: Cambridge, MA

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

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

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.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the basic requirements, candidates for the grade 11must also possess one of the following:

A. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

or

3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree

or

LL.M., if related

B. Minimum of one-year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position, including assisting with astronomical observations and conducting photometric and spectroscopic data analysis; applying established methods and astronomical software to analyze stellar light curves and spectra; supporting the characterization of stars and transiting exoplanet candidates; performing measurements and interpreting observational data; and preparing technical reports and summaries of research findings.

C. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required

• Knowledge of the technical methods, principles, and practices of the field of stellar astronomy and astrophysics of exoplanets as evidenced by a Ph.D. degree and published results involving research in fields related to these topics.
• Skill in applying advanced observational, theoretical, or computational techniques to independently design research approaches, evaluate data quality, interpret complex datasets and perform scientific analyses; in particular, knowledge of astronomical photometry and skill in observations of stellar light curves with CCD cameras, including reducing and analyzing photometric data.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with the use of astronomical software,
• Knowledge of the published literature on the astronomical and astrophysical characteristics of transiting planets and the stars they orbit
• Ability to work effectively as part of a research group or scientific team. Ability to perform independent scientific investigations.
• Ability to prepare reports of findings and to communicate these results both orally and in writing, including skill in leading the preparation of scientific papers for publication and the presentation of scientific results at seminars and meetings

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

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Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/