Supervisory Astronomer

Smithsonian Institution; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithsonian Institution seeks a Supervisory Astronomer to lead a team of Astronomical Observers at the Submillimeter Array in Hawaii. You will balance direct observing duties with leadership responsibilities, providing technical direction and ensuring data quality.

The role requires hands-on experience with scientific instrumentation, observatory operations, and mentoring staff, while coordinating performance management and safety training. This is a full-time position based in Hawaii.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in astronomy/physics/space science/electronics with calculus coursework and astronomy/physics credits.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and coordinating observing activities.
• Ability to ensure data quality and monitor complex instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain submillimeter radio astronomy instrumentation.
• Monitor system performance and data quality during observations.
• Provide technical oversight, lead training, and enforce safety compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Safety compliance

Training

Education

Degree in astronomy/physics/space science/electronics

Job description

This position serves as a Supervisory Astronomer supporting science and test operations at the Submillimeter Array (SMA) balancing direct observational duties-such as operating complex submillimeter radio astronomy instrumentation, monitoring system performance, and ensuring data quality-with comprehensive leadership responsibilities, leading a team of Astronomical Observers, providing technical oversight, conducting performance management, and overseeing training and safety compliance.

Basic Requirements (GS-1330 Physics Series)

Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics. The course work must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics. . OR Combination of education and experience -- 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, plus appropriate experience or additional education. GS-9: Specialized Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as operating scientific instrumentation or optical telescopes; conducting or supporting astronomical observing activities; acquiring imaging or spectroscopic data; performing calibration exposures and preliminary data reduction; monitoring scientific systems; resolving routine operational issues; and supporting researchers during observational activities. Experience must demonstrate hands-on operational experience in observatory or comparable scientific environments. Experience must also demonstrate experience leading or coordinating the work of others, such as assigning or prioritizing work, providing technical direction, training staff, or evaluating work products. OR Education A master's degree or two full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a degree in astronomy, physics, astrophysics, or a closely related physical science may be substituted for specialized experience. OR Combination Education and experience may be combined to meet qualification requirements.