Physical Science Technician (IS-1311-08)

Smithsonian Institution; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA seeks a Physical Science Technician to support the TEMPO project, assist with Linux-based command development, testing and documentation. The role reports to the Data Manager and collaborates with scientists and programmers in TEMPO operations.

Open to qualified candidates with relevant experience in physical science and specialized UNIX skills. This is a trust fund indefinite position with full-time employment and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• At least one year of specialized experience at or above the 07 grade level.
• Substitution of one year of graduate level education for the required experience is allowed.
• A combination of suitable experience and graduate education may meet the requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support TEMPO observations by generating, testing and validating observing commands.
• Perform observation planning with the SDPC and participate in planning meetings.
• Develop, verify, and validate instrument command loads.
• Monitor instrument health and safety, including long-term trending and performance monitoring.
• Work with the science team for instrument activities and calibration operations.
• Lead in verification of processed data, generate reports, analyze issues, and propose solutions.
• Lead in composing IOC and SDPC operational documentation.

Skills

Unix commands

Observing techniques

Communication

Independent work

Technical writing

Problem solving

Education

Graduate study (physical science)

Graduate education related to work

Job description

Physical Science Technician (IS-1311-08)

Application Deadline: 16 October 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $63,291 - $82,275 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: September 17, 2026
CLOSING DATE: October 16, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Atomic and Molecular Physics Division
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
Two vacancies may be filled from this announcement. SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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 and 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 The Physical Science Tech is responsible for supporting the operations of the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) project. This includes supporting observational command development in Linux, testing and validating observing commands and writing and maintaining documents in support of the TEMPO project. The employee reports to the Data Manager and works closely with the TEMPO Operations team and other members of the team of scientists and programmers participating in the TEMPO project

MAJOR DUTIES

• Support TEMPO observations by generating, testing and validating observing commands
• Perform observation planning with the Science Data Processing Center (SDPC) and participate in observation planning meetings
• Develop, verify, and validate instrument command loads
• Monitor instrument health and safety, including instrument long term trending and performance monitoring. Monitors data for quality, recognizing problems, making recommendations, and taking immediate corrective action
• Work with the science team for special instrument activities and calibration operations
• Play a lead role with the scientists in verification of the processed data, generate reports, analyze problems and communicate solutions to the team
• Play a lead role in composing IOC and SDPC operational documentation.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements:

Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade ( 07) level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position's work successfully.

OR

Applicants may substitute successful completion of 1 year of appropriate graduate-level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or the equivalent) in physical science or other fields of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience, provided it demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position.

OR

Applicants may substitute a combination of appropriate specialized experience (as described above) and appropriate graduate-level education (as described above) beyond the first 1/2 year of progressive graduate study to meet the qualification requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

• Skill in applying Unix commands.
• Comprehensive knowledge of astronomical observing techniques and equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external scientists, operations teams, individuals, or groups across all levels
• Ability to carry out duties with minimal or no supervision, seeking input and advice as appropriate
• Proficient in reading and writing technical documentation
• Ability to identify problems; determine accuracy and relevance of information; use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations.

Applicants who wish to qualify based on 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 your application being rejected 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."

Resume/CV should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job;,sthe tarting and ending dates of jthe ob (month and year);,andaan verage number of hours worked per week. College Transcript should be provided if using education for qualification.

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.

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/