Astrophysicist

Summary

This is the position of Astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory

Duties

Undertake a leading position in solar instrumentation in the SSXG group, including direct supervision graduate and undergraduate students in the group. Lead the team responsible for all aspects of the development of the high-altitude IR solar coronal instrumentation. Enable new research with IR observations to study the solar corona in this wavelength region that is extremely promising for coronal magnetometry and middle-corona plasma diagnostics. Determine the most 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 IR data 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. Participate in overall astronomy programs of the SSXG group, 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. 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. Submit referee papers to scientific journals and participate in NASA peer review committees. Assist with day-to-day activities of the SSXG group by assisting with technical issues pertaining to instrument development, giving advice to group members on problems encountered, and working with group members to develop solutions. Ensure that group members under direct supervision produce the required materials on schedule and in a format that meets the needs of the users. Conduct performance reviews, recommend and/or take disciplinary action, give advice, counsel, or instruction to team members under direct supervision, determine training needs, and arrange for training as appropriate, interview and hire new team members, approve leave. Leads advanced astrophysics research involving the interpretation of observational data from space-based and ground-based instruments. Serves as principal investigator (PI) for major agency astrophysics missions, experiments, or observatories. Defines scientific objectives, develops research methodologies, and ensures alignment with agency strategic priorities and national scientific goals. Directs the design and development of scientific instrumentation, including spectrometers, interferometers, telescopes, cryogenic systems, particle detectors, and high‐precision optical systems used in astrophysical investigations. Provides authoritative scientific consultation to senior agency leadership, interagency partners, and national research bodies. Advises on astrophysics mission concepts, technology investments, and long‐term scientific strategy. Publishes high‐impact scientific findings in peer‐reviewed journals and presents results at national and international conferences. Ensures scientific integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with agency research standards. Oversees collaborative research teams, including GS‐07–14 scientists, engineers, postdoctoral researchers, and contractors. Provides mentorship, technical direction, and performance oversight. Manages large‐scale research resources, including multimillion‐dollar budgets, grant portfolios, and external research partnerships with universities, laboratories, and international observatories. Evaluates and approves research proposals, ensuring scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with astrophysics program objectives. Provides expert review for agency funding decisions. Ensures compliance with agency scientific, safety, and data‐management policies, including instrument calibration standards, mission data protocols, and research ethics requirements.

Requirements

Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.

Qualifications and evaluation

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic education and specialized requirements. Applicants that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria: Mastery of astrophysics; national/international authority. Thorough knowledge of astronomy, physics, or astrophysics, particularly in the specific field of solar physics and instrumentation. Expert skill in providing effective leadership to a scientific research team and in coordinating the work of technical staff in the development of solar instrumentation. Expert Skill in interpersonal relations to interface effectively with diverse outside organizations (government, university, industry), and ability to communicate and collaborate with scientists and engineers inside and outside SAO. Advanced leadership skills in defining and solving difficult problems which arise in astrophysical research, with particular emphasis on research involving IR data for coronal magnetometry and middle-corona plasma diagnostics. Exceptional knowledge of and the ability to work with IR and other solar data utilizing other ground- and space-based observing facilities. Advanced ability to use initiative, judgment, thoroughness, and scholarly competence for the formulation and execution of experiments and for the presentation of meaningful results BASIS OF RATING: Once the announcement closes, your application will be automatically evaluated and rated by the system and a Human Resources Specialist. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your application and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the occupational questionnaire. The numeric rating you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. The score is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position. If, after the Human Resources Specialist reviews your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that the score you have received is not a true reflection of your qualifications and/or experience, your score can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect the information you provided that support your abilities. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed. Important Note: Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Education

Minimum Education 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.

How to apply

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note: You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package. The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.

Required documents

Your application package should include the following documents: Resume - Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder. Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), and hours worked per week, for each employment period. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted. Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? Proof of prior federal service such as the latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment. Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreignstudy, if applicable. A recent performance evaluation Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy) if you are requesting a special appointment authority, such as VRA or VEOA Proof of severe disability if you are requesting special placement consideration Proof of eligibility for a military spouse appointment, such as a permanent change station military order Proof of eligibility for any other special appointing authority not specifically mentioned here.

Additional information

The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema). Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses. The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).