Astrophysicist

Smithsonian Institution; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA seeks an Astrophysicist to lead solar instrumentation in the SSXG group and supervise graduate and undergraduate students. The role focuses on developing high-altitude IR solar instrumentation and enabling IR observations to study the solar corona.

The successful candidate will guide observational and data analysis efforts, formulate research plans in new areas, and collaborate with SAO scientists and external partners.

Qualifications

• Degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics with calculus coursework and astronomy/physics credits.
• Experience supervising graduate and undergraduate students.
• Experience in observational astronomy and instrumentation development.

Responsibilities

• Lead solar instrumentation development for the SSXG group and supervise students.
• Coordinate observations and data analysis using IR data and other facilities.
• Publish high-impact findings and present at conferences.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Instrument development

IR instrumentation

Publications

Mentorship

Budget management

Education

Degree in astronomy/physics/space science/electronics

Tools

GS‑07–14 scientists

Job description

• Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

This is the position of Astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory

Key Responsibilities

Undertake a leading position in solar instrumentation in the SSXG group, including direct supervision graduate and undergraduate students in the group. Lead the team responsible for all aspects of the development of the high-altitude IR solar coronal instrumentation. Enable new research with IR observations to study the solar corona in this wavelength region that is extremely promising for coronal magnetometry and middle-corona plasma diagnostics.

Determine the most relevant and fruitful areas for research, and conceive, propose, and conduct observational and data analysis efforts directed towards a wide range of astrophysical systems utilizing IR data and other ground- and space-based facilities. Formulate plans and hypotheses in areas which are new and unexplored, or which have presented critical obstacles in the past, and carry them through to completion.

Determine the applicability of findings to activities and interests of the Division and the Observatory. Participate in overall astronomy programs of the SSXG group, the High Energy Astrophysics Division, and in overall scientific programs at SAO. Interact with scientists at SAO and other institutions to coordinate activities such as scientific observations and analysis, software development, and overall planning in astronomy.

Communicate research results through preparation of papers for publication in scientific journals and/or conference proceedings. Give presentations at professional meetings. Maintain awareness of recent problems and techniques through communication with other scientists. Submit referee papers to scientific journals and participate in NASA peer review committees.

Assist with day-to-day activities of the SSXG group by assisting with technical issues pertaining to instrument development, giving advice to group members on problems encountered, and working with group members to develop solutions. Ensure that group members under direct supervision produce the required materials on schedule and in a format that meets the needs of the users.

Conduct performance reviews, recommend and/or take disciplinary action, give advice, counsel, or instruction to team members under direct supervision, determine training needs, and arrange for training as appropriate, interview and hire new team members, approve leave. Leads advanced astrophysics research involving the interpretation of observational data from space-based and ground-based instruments.

Serves as principal investigator (PI) for major agency astrophysics missions, experiments, or observatories. Defines scientific objectives, develops research methodologies, and ensures alignment with agency strategic priorities and national scientific goals.

Directs the design and development of scientific instrumentation, including spectrometers, interferometers, telescopes, cryogenic systems, particle detectors, and high‑precision optical systems used in astrophysical investigations. Provides authoritative scientific consultation to senior agency leadership, interagency partners, and national research bodies. Advises on astrophysics mission concepts, technology investments, and long‑term scientific strategy.

Publishes high‑impact scientific findings in peer‑reviewed journals and presents results at national and international conferences. Ensures scientific integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with agency research standards. Oversees collaborative research teams, including GS‑07–14 scientists, engineers, postdoctoral researchers, and contractors. Provides mentorship, technical direction, and performance oversight.

Manages large‑scale research resources, including multimillion‑dollar budgets, grant portfolios, and external research partnerships with universities, laboratories, and international observatories. Evaluates and approves research proposals, ensuring scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with astrophysics program objectives. Provides expert review for agency funding decisions.

Ensures compliance with agency scientific, safety, and data‑management policies, including instrument calibration standards, mission data protocols, and research ethics requirements.

Requirements & Education

Minimum Education Requirements: A) Degree in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science or electronics, including course work in differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy or physics; OR B) A combination of education and experience equivalent to A above including 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.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Smithsonian Institution , Other Agencies and Independent Organizations.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $167560 – $197200/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-30.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Disability' hiring path.

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