Astrophysicist (IS-1330-14)

Smithsonian Institution; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in Cambridge, MA, invites applications for a senior astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division. This trust-indefinite, full-time position emphasizes mission planning, data analysis, and leadership of a research team.

The successful candidate will conduct observational programs, develop modeling and software tools, publish findings, and collaborate with colleagues at SAO, CfA, and external partners.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of astrophysics, including high-energy phenomena.
• Ability to lead major research projects and mentor staff.
• Strong software, data analysis, and programming skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mission planning and scheduling activities.
• Lead analysis and develop algorithms for observational studies.
• Coordinate with CXC Flight Operations Team for scheduling.
• Prepare publications and present findings at conferences.
• Manage research resources and collaborations with universities and observatories.

Skills

Astrophysics knowledge

Leadership

Software skills

Education

Degree in Astronomy/Physics

Job description

Application Deadline: 28 August 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $142,452 - $185,193 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: August 24, 2026

CLOSING DATE: August 28, 2026

TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)

DIVISION: High Energy Astrophysics Division

LOCATION: Cambridge, MA

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Current Smithsonian Institution employees.

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, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), 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 Astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

MAJOR DUTIES

Undertake a broadly responsible position in the Mission Planning group including the support of planning activities, contribution to new initiatives to improve planning and scheduling, and supervision of some members of the group as required. Propose and conduct specific investigations of science planning activities and procedures, including solutions to unanticipated spacecraft or instrument events. Conduct and oversee the analysis for these studies, develop computer algorithms as necessary and supervise their implementation, testing, and documentation. Interpret the results of these investigations, doing theoretical calculations when appropriate. Work actively to exchange ideas with other groups and institutions involved in similar activities.

Advise with day‑to‑day activities of the Mission Planning Group by work on technical issues pertaining to long‑term and short‑term schedules, representing Mission Planning in technical meetings, supporting technical review of Chandra proposals and observing plans, giving advice to group members on problems encountered, and working with group members to develop solutions. Ensure as required that group members under direct supervision produce the materials on schedule and in a format that meets the needs of users. Prepare long‑and short‑term schedules, review load products, and interact with observers and CXC staff to ensure the scientific goals of proposed observations are achieved. Interface closely with the CXC Flight Operations Team (FOT) to ensure timely scheduling of approved Chandra observations. Represent the Mission Planning Group on internal inter‑team and/or external meetings, committees, or working groups.

Determine 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 X‑ray 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. Prepare research grant proposals. 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.

Participate in overall astronomy programs of the Chandra X‑ray Center (CXC), 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. Referee papers submitted to scientific journals and participated in NASA peer review committees. Serve as speaker panelist, conference leader, committee chairperson, or in similar capacities at national or international conferences, public forums, and comparable gatherings.

Conducts advanced astrophysics research involving stellar, galactic, or cosmological phenomena. Designs and executes complex investigations integrating theoretical modeling, simulation, and analysis of observational data from space‑based and ground‑based instruments.

Develops and refines scientific models and algorithms to characterize astrophysical processes such as radiation transport, stellar evolution, high‑energy particle interactions, or galactic dynamics. Validates models against mission data and peer‑reviewed literature.

Serves as a technical lead or co‑investigator on major research projects or mission science teams. Defines research objectives, develops methodologies, and ensures scientific rigor and compliance with agency standards.

Designs and evaluates scientific instrumentation concepts, including optical systems, detectors, spectrometers, interferometers, or cryogenic components. Provides authoritative input on calibration, data quality, and instrument performance.

Prepares high‑impact scientific publications and presents findings at national and international conferences. Contributes to agency scientific strategy through white papers, mission concept studies, and technical assessments.

Provides expert consultation to engineers, scientists, and program managers on astrophysics requirements, data interpretation, and mission science implications. Advises on feasibility, risks, and scientific value of proposed research.

Leads collaborative research teams of GS-07-13 scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and contractors. Provides mentorship, technical guidance, and quality assurance for research outputs.

Manages research resources, including project budgets, data pipelines, computational assets, and external collaborations with universities, laboratories, and observatories.

Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements:

A) Degree in one of 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.

Grade 14

A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 13 in the normal line of progression for this occupation, which should demonstrate: the ability to conceive of, and play a leadership role in carrying out, original astrophysical research projects; the ability to lead successful proposals for astronomical observations; a mastery of current (preferably X‑ray) astronomy experimental and data analysis techniques; a mastery of spacecraft and observatory instrumentation, scientific programming, modern methods of software generation, verification and documentation, and Unix‑type operating systems; ability to present findings in a publishable format and to present materials at professional meetings; the ability to serve on and chair professional astronomy‑related panels, such as time allocation review panels; the ability to serve as both a research mentor to students and postdocs, as well as a mentor to more junior operational staff; and the ability to take a leadership role in a large, inter‑organisational experimental group.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required

Expert knowledge of astrophysics, including stellar, galactic, or cosmological processes; radiation physics; high energy astrophysics.

Advanced knowledge and experience in observational techniques and applying sophisticated modeling, simulation, and data analysis methods.

Recognized as a subject matter expert capable of leading major research efforts and contributing original scientific insights.

Mastery of astrophysics; recognized expert; develops models and leads major research projects.

Exceptional knowledge of astronomy, physics, or astrophysics, particularly in the specific field of X‑ray astronomy, as evidenced by publications which have answered important questions to the field or have contributed to significant advances in knowledge.

Ability to lead in defining and solving difficult problems which arise in astrophysical research, with particular emphasis on research involving X‑ray emission together with ability to utilize other ground‑and space‑based observing facilities.

Ability to effectively communicate the results of research and technical work orally and in writing.

Superior knowledge of complex software algorithms used for observation scheduling and database access, and mastery knowledge of scientific instrumentation used for X‑ray astronomy and its operation required for conducting approved proposals.

Advanced knowledge of computer techniques, systems, and programs as applied to experiments and data analysis, including modern methods of software generation, verification, and documentation.

Superior skill in interpersonal relations to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of scientific and technical experts; interface effectively with diverse outside organizations (government, university, industry); communicate and work with scientists inside and outside SAO; and coordinate the work of technical staff in the development of software and software testing procedures.

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.

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

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/.