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Reviewing applications

Open & closing dates

02/02/2017 to 04/18/2017
Salary

$94,520 - $145,205 per year
Pay scale & grade

IS 13 - 14
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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Cambridge, MA 1 vacancy
Travel Required

Occasional travel - Travel will be required when on observing assignments and attending national meetings.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Permanent - Trust Fund. This is not a federal position.
Work schedule

Full-time - Full Time, Indefinite.
Service
Promotion potential

14
Job family (Series)
- 1330 Astronomy And Space Science
Supervisory status

Yes
Announcement number

17-23
Control number

463643200

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Duties at the grade 13

Supervise the work of postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, or other researchers, which may be related to the duties below.
Lead the development new procedures for processing and classifying observations of minor planets, as submitted to the Minor Planet Center. This may require substantial development of orbital integration and propagation routines, as well as the introduction of modern mathematical and physics techniques to the differential correction problem.
Work with the Minor Planet Center Director in the analysis of astrometric observations of small bodies in the solar system, using data from ground-based and space-based surveys.
Work with the Minor Planet Center Director in overseeing the ongoing evaluation of the operational performance of the Minor Planet Center. Identify potential problems and suggest improvements.
Work with the Minor Planet Center Director to ensure that the Minor Planet Center is adequately prepared for the large increase in data volume from future surveys such as the ground-based Large Synoptic Survey Telescope
Represent the Minor Planet Center at conferences and other meetings, in interactions with the Small Bodies Node of the NASA Planetary Data System, or in interactions with the NASA Planetary Defense Coordination Office, as needed by the Minor Planet Center Director.
Write Minor Planet Center performance reports to support the operations of the Minor Planet Center.
Prepare papers on such analysis and related topics for publication in scientific journals and presentation at scientific meetings.
Perform other assignments as required.

In addition to the duties above duties at the grade 14 may include

Participate in or otherwise assist in the development of major new initiatives for MPC. As a recognized leader in the field of astrophysics, collaborates and consults both nationally and internationally with other scientists concerning ongoing research programs in the scientific community. Participates in research planning activities, including participation on advisory committees, scientific workshops, conferences, etc. Additionally, the incumbent serves as a consultant to other agencies, institutions and other specialists in the field.

Independently manage the Minor Planet Center operations in the Director’s absence.
Lead the analysis of astrometric observations of small bodies in the solar system, using data from ground-based and space-based surveys.

Lead the ongoing evaluation of the operational performance of the Minor Planet Center. Identify potential problems and suggest improvements.
Take a leading role in ensuring that the Minor Planet Center is adequately prepared for the large increase in data volume from future surveys such as the ground-based Large Synoptic Survey Telescope.

Identify funding opportunities that are in line with the strategic plan for the growth of the Minor Planet Center.
Oversee the professional growth and development of the Minor Planet Center team.

Who May Apply

This job is open to…

This position is open to all qualified candidates

Selection for this position will be made at either the grade 13 or 14. If selection is made at the grade 13, the selectee may be non-competitively promoted to the grade 14 upon recommendation of the Professional Accomplishments Evaluation Committee (PAEC).

First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date

Questions? This job is open to 0 group.

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Conditions of Employment

May be required to complete Pre and Post appointment background check
Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer required for salary payment
May be required to serve a one year probationary period

Applicants must meet the basic qualification requirements as described in the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions. These standards may be viewed at the following address on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1300/1330.htm.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

A. 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

B. 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.

In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below:

grade 13

A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 12 level in the normal line of progression for the occupation which demonstrates the origination of new techniques in the acquisition and management of data, establishing new criteria in the area of data analysis and reduction, the development of new observational information, the supervision of at least one subordinate or postdoc or completed a supervisory training program, and authorship of several scholarly articles in professional refereed journals and/or conference presentations.

grade 14

A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 13 level in the normal line of progression for the occupation which should demonstrate advanced knowledge of modern computer techniques, including simulation and data analysis techniques. The candidate formulates and conducts independent research program(s) as demonstrated by an extensive history of publications in refereed journals

Additional information

The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses but may pay a recruitment bonus. The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required; and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the criteria associated with this position as defined below

Advanced knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of astronomy, astrophysics, or physics as may be evidenced by a Ph.D. degree or comparable professional experience.
Knowledge of astronomical research methods suitable for observational and theoretical astrophysics as evidenced by a Ph.D. degree or comparable experience.
Ability to lead independent scientific investigations.
Ability to work effectively independently or as part of a research group or scientific team.
Skill in preparing scientific results for publication, particularly in the area of orbit determination of celestial bodies.
Knowledge of advanced astronomical catalogs and databases.
Knowledge of and ability to use modern computer techniques to lead a technical team.
Skill in using telescopes and modern instrumentation for the observation of moving objects.
Skill in the preparation of scientific reports and papers in scientific journals and presentation at professional conferences.
Knowledge of the principles of astrophysics as well as a high degree of scholarly competence necessary to develop, formulate and conduct original independent research and a build a program, particularly in the field of small body populations and exoplanet systems.
Demonstrated ability to lead a project and supervise personnel

To preview questions please click here.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

Detailed resume or CV and bibliography

Names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references

School transcripts or degree certificate

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.
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.
- 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.
- Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
- 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.
Agency contact information

Mary Hebert

Phone

617-496-7816

Fax

617-495-7263

Email

mhebert@cfa.harvard.edu

Address

SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, MA 02138
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Help

Detailed resume or CV and bibliography

Names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references

School transcripts or degree certificate

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.

Help

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.
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.
Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
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.

Agency contact information

Mary Hebert

Phone: 617-496-7816
Fax: 617-495-7263
Email: mhebert@cfa.harvard.edu
Address: SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, MA 02138
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

This job announcement has closed

Help

Reviewing applications

Open & closing dates

02/02/2017 to 04/18/2017
Salary

$94,520 - $145,205 per year
Pay scale & grade

IS 13 - 14
Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Cambridge, MA 1 vacancy
Travel Required

Occasional travel - Travel will be required when on observing assignments and attending national meetings.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Permanent - Trust Fund. This is not a federal position.
Work schedule

Full-time - Full Time, Indefinite.
Service
Promotion potential

14
Job family (Series)
- 1330 Astronomy And Space Science
Supervisory status

Yes
Announcement number

17-23
Control number

463643200

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/463643200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Astrophysicist

Summary

Overview

Open & closing dates

Salary

Pay scale & grade

Location

Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Work schedule

Service

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

Supervisory status

Announcement number

Control number

This job is open to

Duties

Who May Apply

This job is open to…

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Additional information

How You Will Be Evaluated

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Agency contact information

Next steps

Required Documents

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair & Transparent