Physicist, IS-1310-14

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

Job summary

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA seeks a Physicist (IS-1310-14) to lead instrumentation development for radio astronomy and cosmology, and to conduct occasional observational astrophysical research. The role requires expert knowledge in advanced physics and the ability to manage cross‑disciplinary projects across the CfA.

Location is Cambridge, MA, with full‑time employment. Responsibilities include proposing and funding instrumentation initiatives, publishing research,

Qualifications

• Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.
• Specialized knowledge in electromagnetism, quantum phenomena, optics, and computational modeling.
• Ability to lead instrumentation projects and disseminate results through publications and conferences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance instrumentation for radio astronomy and cosmology projects.
• Lead and participate in observations, data analysis, and publication of results.
• Provide technical guidance to leadership and collaborators on research programs and instrumentation.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to workforce development.

Skills

Astrophysics expertise

Instrumentation development

Observational astronomy

Scientific leadership

Education

Physics degree

Tools

Data analysis software

Job description

Physicist, IS-1310-14

Application Deadline: 11 October 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

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

Description

OPENING DATE: October 7, 2026 CLOSING DATE: October 11, 2026 TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal) DIVISION: Radio and Geoastronomy LOCATION: CAMBRIDGE, MA AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all current SAO employees.

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 Physicist with broad experience in these technical areas and their application to problems in astrophysics. The duties of this position are to support and initiate development of new instrumentation and new projects in the Receiver Lab, across the CfA, and externally. As an expert in both the development and application of instrumentation for astrophysical research, it is expected that the incumbent will perform astronomical observing and astrophysical research on an occasional basis. The position is located in Cambridge, MA.

MAJOR DUTIES

Participates in and initiates development and enhancement of instrumentation for radio astronomy and experimental cosmology, including project‑related work supporting the wSMA, ngEHT, and BHEX, and other CfA and external efforts, and other work having broader technical and scientific impact. Proposes for internal and external funding for instrumentation development projects. Proposes and conducts astronomical observations to validate and evaluate new instrumentation, and to support original astrophysical research.

Engage in dissemination of research results. Examples include preparing papers for publication in scientific journals, preparing and presenting findings at scientific meetings, writing scientific and technical memos, and presenting at project reviews. Organizes or participates in internal meetings, meetings with collaborators, and meetings with commercial vendors related to observatory operations, and to scientific and technical developments. Organizes or assists in organizing meetings, conferences, and seminars; serves scientific and technical committees as needed; and participates in education or outreach activities around the CfA.

Provides expert‑level scientific leadership in designing, developing, and executing complex physics research programs involving advanced theoretical, computational, and experimental methods. Develops new analytical models, simulation frameworks, and experimental methodologies to address national‑level scientific and technical challenges. Leads multi‑disciplinary teams in the planning, execution, and evaluation of research projects involving electromagnetism, quantum phenomena, optical systems, radiation physics, and high‑energy physics. Designs and oversee laboratory experiments, instrumentation configurations, and measurement protocols requiring advanced precision, calibration, and statistical validation.

Provides authoritative technical guidance to senior leadership, interagency partners, and external stakeholders on physics‑based technologies, scientific risks, and emerging innovations. Publishes peer‑reviewed research, authors technical reports, and presents findings at national and international scientific conferences. Evaluates modern technologies, scientific literature, and emerging methodologies to determine applicability to agency mission needs. Serves as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or technical lead for research contracts, ensuring scientific integrity, compliance, and performance. Mentors junior scientists, reviews technical work products, and contributes to workforce development in advanced physics disciplines.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements:

Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.

or

Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.

In addition to Basic Requirements above, you must meet one of the following:

Grade 14

Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 13 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position, such as the duties listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

• Expert knowledge of advanced physics is sufficient to serve as a recognized technical authority.
• Mastery of theoretical and applied physics, including electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, optics, radiation physics, and computational modeling.
• Ability to develop new scientific approaches, lead complex research programs, and interpret results with national‑level impact.
• Advanced knowledge, at the Ph.D. or equivalent level of experience, of millimeter and submillimeter techniques, superconducting device technology, microwave and signal processing technology, and cryogenic and vacuum systems, as applied to instrumentation for radio astronomy and experimental cosmology.
• Superior knowledge of the underlying physical principles and practical application of advanced electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical simulation software.
• Ability to develop original software for data analysis and instrument control.
• Exceptional knowledge and experience in proposing for external research funding.
• Exceptional knowledge of observatory operations and experience in proposing astronomical observations.
• Ability to formulate, conduct, and publish the results of original research in astronomical instrumentation, associated technologies, and their scientific application.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and supervise the work of technicians, engineers, and junior researchers.

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.

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/.