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, seeks an Astrophysicist to lead independent research in radio astronomy, with emphasis on VLBI observations and supermassive black holes. The position involves developing observing programs, software, and data analysis techniques.

Responsibilities include publishing results, presenting at conferences, mentoring students, and contributing to grant proposals.

Qualifications

• Degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science or electronics, including calculus coursework.
• At least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 13 in the normal line of progression.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and conduct independent astrophysical research, especially in radio astronomy and SMBHs.
• Prepare papers and present results at conferences; mentor mentees and supervise students.
• Lead development of proposals and instrumental/software capabilities for VLBI observations.

Skills

Astrophysics

Observational techniques

Data analysis

Leadership

Scientific communication

Education

Degree in astronomy/physics/mathematics/space science/electronics

12 semester hours in astronomy or physics; calculus coursework

Tools

VLBI software

Data analysis tools

Job description

Astrophysicist, (IS-1330-14)

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

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

Description

OPENING DATE: August 26, 2026

CLOSING DATE: August 31, 2026

TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)

DIVISION: Radio and Gastronomy Division

LOCATION: Cambridge, MA

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all current SAO 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, Radio and Gastronomy Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), Cambridge, MA. The position is charged with technical and scientific responsibility for formulating and conducting developmental research in radio astronomy, exceptionally long baseline interferometry, and the astrophysics of supermassive black holes. The work will include the development of advanced radio telescopes; the proposing, planning, and designing of observing programs; the analysis and interpretation of observational radio data; and the publication of significant scientific results.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Formulate and conduct unique and original programs of independent astrophysical research, especially in the areas of radio astronomy, with an emphasis on exceptionally long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations and the astrophysics of supermassive black holes (SMBHs). Conceive, plan, and conduct observations, and develop techniques for data reduction and analysis. Participate with other Division scientists in the conception, development, and application of advanced VLBI arrays, technology, and associated algorithms and methodologies, particularly in high-frequency VLBI. The primary focus will be on the EHT/ngEHT projects, but duties will include investigation of new opportunities as they arise. Lead and participate in the development of astrophysical software for the simulation, calibration, analysis, and interpretation of radio interferometric data. Maintain software in publicly available repositories.
• Prepare papers describing research results for publication in scientific or technical journals and presentation at scientific or technical meetings, conferences, and within the CfA. Attend professional meetings for the purpose of presenting new results and participating in the discussion of related efforts by other scientists. Referee papers submitted to scientific journals. Supervise and mentor, as appropriate, research interns, undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. Organize, plan, and supervise the activities of mentees, advising on projects and priorities, establishing deadlines, monitoring progress, and reviewing work. Lead and support the development of proposals for research funding.
• 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 evaluate 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 assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic 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.

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 such as the duties listed above.

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.
• Expert professional knowledge of astronomy, physics, and astrophysics, particularly in the areas of high-frequency VLBI and SMBHs.
• Mastery of and skill in conducting research, including the conception and development of new hypotheses and theories, the acquisition of relevant astronomical data, and the processing and analysis of those data.
• Mastery of and skill in utilizing modern computational and software techniques, including large computer systems and workstations, for the solution of scientific problems.
• Advanced knowledge of sophisticated mathematical and statistical techniques.
• Demonstrated exceptional skills in formulating, and carrying through to completion, independent scientific research.
• Demonstrated superior skill in oral and written communication.

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/