Astronomer

Summary

This position serves as an Astronomical Observer supporting science and test operations of the Submillimeter Array (SMA). The incumbent operates complex submillimeter radio astronomy instrumentation during scheduled observing shifts; monitors antenna, receiver, correlator, and system performance; acquires and evaluates astronomical and engineering test data; and supports visiting and staff astronomers during scientific and technical observations.

Duties

Operate the SMA during scheduled science, handling telescope startup/shutdown, array setup, and program execution. Support the SMA scheduler by advising on observing strategies and providing technical guidance on system capabilities and operational constraints Strictly follow established safety protocols during telescope operations and maintenance to protect personnel, equipment, and observatory operations. Monitor telescope, instrumentation, and environmental performance in real time, including pointing and data quality, to promptly identify, troubleshoot, and resolve anomalies Monitor system status continuously,document operational issues thoroughly, and perform routine maintenance activities such as log verification and system checks. Participate actively in the analysis and interpretation of test data, which may include the precise integration of pointing data acquired from optical and radio observations and from tilt meters into a global model of antenna performance. Assist visiting and staff astronomers with astronomical observations and evaluate scientific data, including detailed data analysis with astronomical image processing software such as CASA, MIRIAD, or IDL. Participate actively in the modification or development of observational and data reduction software. Modify existing code under supervision to effectively automate repetitive tasks, optimize data processing, or improve overall workflow efficiency. Maintain highly organized directories, detailed metadata, and comprehensive documentation for ensuring scientific reproducibility. Prepare clear, concise summaries of observational results and complex dataprocessing steps for team review. Present informative short briefings on assigned tasks during regular team meetings Collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, and senior astronomers to support and advance mission objectives.

Qualifications and evaluation

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described below. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria: Knowledge of radio or submillimeter telescope operations sufficient to operate the SMA under established procedures and guidance Skill in monitoring system performance to recognize normal conditions and report abnormalities Knowledge of basic professional astronomy principles, theories, and practices sufficient to perform routine observational tasks and apply standard analytical techniques Knowledge of astronomical data analysis software sufficient to assist with routine data tasks Ability to organize and communicate technical information in logs, reports, and meetings Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be placed into one of three quality categories based on their responses to the job-related assessment and the extent to which their experience demonstrates the competencies required for the position: Best Category – 95–100 Better Category – 85–94.99 Good Category – 70–84.99 This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the rule of three but protects the rights of veterans by placing preference eligibles ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. Applicants who do not submit a resume in USAJOBS and complete all required assessment questions will not be considered. Important Note Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire for consistency. If a determination is made that your self-assessment is not supported by your resume, your rating may be adjusted to reflect documented experience. Your resume should clearly describe how your education and experience relate to the duties and qualification requirements of this position. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Benefits

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description. Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/ Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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). Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages. You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process. 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

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. For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter. 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 foreign study, if applicable. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Additional information

No incentives are authorized for this position.