This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/558466300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Summary
The position of Astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The employee participates in a program of research on solar and stellar astrophysics with an emphasis on the structure, formation and dynamical properties of coronae. The investigation aims to constrain theoretical models of corona heating, reconnection and stability using a variety of observational and modeling techniques.
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Overview
- Reviewing applications
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Open & closing dates
01/31/2020 to 02/14/2020
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Salary
$71,274 - $92,655 per year
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Pay scale & grade
IS 11
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Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
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Telework eligible
No
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Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional travel to scientific conferences and/or technical collaboration meetings is required.
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Permanent - Trust Fund
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Work schedule
Full-time - Full time
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Service
Competitive
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Promotion potential
11
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
No
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Security clearance
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Drug test
No
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Announcement number
20-25
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Control number
558466300
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This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
All current Smithsonian Institution employees within the local commuting area
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Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Carry out analyses and simulations of observations from satellite and ground-based experiments in the context of existing theories and models of chromospheric and coronal dynamics.
- Work with scientists to prepare collaborative observing programs involving IRIS, Hinode, AIA and/or ground based observations. Assist in the preparation of proposals for new instrumentation and analysis of existing data sets.
- Prepare and submit proposals for theoretical, computational or observational studies of solar and stellar coronae.
- Solve scientific problems using software systems for general data analysis. This includes defining the necessary programs and subroutines, coding and debugging them, and applying them to the analysis of scientific data.
- Formulate and carry out independent scientific research involving a program of theoretical, computational or observational studies. Help develop observing programs that will address specific scientific problems; reduce and analyze the resulting data; interpret the results in the context of existing theories and models of corona dynamics.
- Prepare findings for publication in scientific journals and presentation at meetings and colloquia.
- Assist other scientists in maintaining the day-to-day computer environment and work with other scientists to expand current capacity for scientific simulations and data processing through parallel and cluster architectures.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must participate in direct deposit/electronic funds for salary payment
- May be required to serve a one-year probationary period
- Pre- and post-appointment background investigation is required.
In addition to the basic requirements, candidates for the grade 11 must also possess one of the following:
a) Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or
b) Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as the analysis of solar UV, EUV and IR spectra.
c) Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
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 detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
Qualifications
Qualification requirements are derived from the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications. Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days after the closing date of announcement.
Education
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.
Additional information
- The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
- The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
- A recruitment bonus may be paid.
Benefits
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.
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, commuter benefits, health/life insurance, and accidental insurance.
Please see Benefits at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/ for a complete description.
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
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.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices in the field of physics, astronomy or related field
- Skill in the analysis and interpretation of IR, UV, EUV, or x-ray spectroscopic and imaging observations of the Sun.
- Knowledge of spectroscopic analysis tools in IR, UV and EUV.
- Skill in producing simulated observations from current and future space physics missions through forward modeling of transition region and coronal structures.
- Ability to develop observational and analysis proposals and present them in a publishable format
- Skill in oral and written communications in order to work effectively in a team environment.
To preview questions please click here.
Benefits
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.
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, commuter benefits, health/life insurance, and accidental insurance.
Please see Benefits at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/ for a complete description.
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.
Required Documents
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.
Your application package must include the following documents:
Detailed resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
School transcripts or degree certificate
Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable
Names and email address for three (3) professional references
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.
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.
- 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.
- If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
Agency contact information
Mary Hebert
- Address
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SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
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.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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Required Documents
Your application package must include the following documents:
Detailed resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
School transcripts or degree certificate
Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable
Names and email address for three (3) professional references
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
Learn more about this agency
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.
- 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.
- If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
Agency contact information
Mary Hebert
- Address
-
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
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.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called "Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army". Escape will cancel and close the window.
Learn more about
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of what is arguably the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world, where the staff carries out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics and earth and space sciences. If you would like to join this exciting organization, apply today!
Agency contact information
Mary Hebert
- Address
-
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States