ASTROPHYSICIST

NASA International; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA is seeking an Astrophysicist to lead the next‑generation Observational Astrophysicist (ngO) program and spearhead a premier research effort in astronomy and astrophysics enabled by JWST and the Roman Space Telescope.

The role requires a strong track record of independent research, leadership in large collaborations, and the ability to mentor a research team in a high‑impact field.

Qualifications

• Proven record of peer‑reviewed publications from independent astrophysical research.
• Experience leading national and international initiatives to utilize next‑gen space telescopes.
• Ability to develop and mentor a research team in astrophysics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a forefront observational astrophysics research program.
• Direct and mentor a research team in a space-based astronomy context.
• Leverage observations from JWST and Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to advance science.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Peer‑reviewed publications

Education

Degree in astronomy/physics/mathematics/space science/electronics with calculus and 12 sem hrs in astronomy/physics

Job description

This is the position of Astrophysicist, Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is to serve as the next-generation Observational Astrophysicist (ngO) and lead a forefront scientific research program within the broad areas of astronomy and astrophysics made possible by new space-based observatories including, but not limited to, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

Basic Requirements:

(GS-1330 Astronomy and Space Science)

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-14 Specialized Experience:

You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as arecord of peer reviewed publications based on the results of independent and original programs of astrophysical research utilizing observations from space-based telescopes, leadership in national and international initiatives to utilize the next generation of space-based telescopes, and demonstrated ability to develop and mentor a research team in a specialty field of astrophysics.

Time-in-Grade Requirements:

Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying).

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/astronomy-and-space-science-series-1330/