Astrophysicist (Technical Assistant), IS-1330-7/9

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescriptionOPENING DATE: April 25, 2025
CLOSING DATE: May 23, 2025
SERIES/GRADE: IS-1330-7/9*
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: High Energy Astrophysics
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
*This is a career ladder opportunity, candidates selected at the grade 7 may be non-competitively promoted to a grade 9 upon recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and employee qualifications
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, which 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, 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.

OVERVIEWINTRODUCTION
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 Astrophysicist (Technical Assistant) at the developmental trainee level in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of the position is twofold: (1) provide technical support for science planning and operation of the Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO), including planning Chandra science observations and participating in the daily operations of the Observatory; and (2) provide computer-related support of X-ray astronomy operations and research with the Observatory, including coding, modifying, testing, and maintaining software for mission planning; developing and maintaining documentation; and drafting and maintaining materials for websites. At the developmental trainee level, assignments combine performance of productive work with orientation and supervised on-the-job training in areas such as computer programming, developing and analyzing algorithms, data reduction and analysis, and documenting and organizing results. Assignments are expected to allow the trainee to carry out progressively more difficult and responsible tasks.
MAJOR DUTIES 1. Participate in science implementation of the regular Chandra mission planning process: 25-35%. Identify material and information needed for conduct of weekly planning cycle. Use both Chandra X-ray Center Data Systems and group-developed software to execute science mission planning process and punctually and accurately prepare data needed internally and by other CXC groups. Participate in assessing the results of science and flight mission planning to identify problems with impact to science results or operational efficiency. Accurately identify and promptly resolve problems.

2. Respond to on-call procedures for out-of-cycle Chandra mission planning: 20-25%. Respond reliably and promptly, when on call, to out-of-cycle needs for science mission planning arising from targets of opportunity, space radiation events, or other eventualities. Collaboratively assess science mission planning impacts of schedule interruptions, and quickly and effectively communicate these to the mission planning team and other CXC teams as needed. Use mission planning software to prepare data for replanning. Assist other planners as needed with complex or difficult replans.

3. Write, modify, test, maintain, and document software to support Mission Planning tasks: 20-25%. Modify extant code maintained by the mission planning group to meet changing requirements. Write well-organized and maintainable new code as required to support mission planning activities. Document code and its modifications clearly. Test mission planning code and document results. Identify need for improved procedures and software and participate in implementation and documentation.

4. Participate in communication and support activities within mission planning and, as needed, across groups in the CXC: 20-25%. Develop, maintain, and improve documentation on mission planning procedures. Assist in a timely and careful manner in work related to the annual proposal cycle. Participate actively in teleconferences, meetings, and other communication activities. As needed, support CXC activities outside of mission planning, such as the annual peer review of submitted proposals, across group computing activities, or participation in research.

5. Perform other related duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSBasic Requirements:
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.orCombination 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.

Additional Requirements:
For grade level 7, candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade (5) level in similar positions, and/or 1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement

For grade level 9, candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade (7) level in similar positions, and/or 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree.

Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
· Knowledge of physics or astronomy as might be evidenced by a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, astronomy, or related field, to be able to analyze data, draw conclusions, and organize and summarize information.· Knowledge of mathematics to be able to develop and analyze algorithms and perform the necessary calculations to develop code.· Knowledge of programming techniques and computer equipment and Unix or Linux-based systems software.· Knowledge of a higher-level programming language such as FORTRAN or C.· Knowledge of HTML and of a scripting language such as Perl, Python, or Unix shell scripting.· Skill in oral and written communication.
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 hr@cfa.harvard.edu. 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 Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/