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This is the position of Physicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Atomic and Molecular Physics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of this position is to train postdoctoral researchers to conceive, plan and conduct highly specialized research in atmospheric composition measurements, including those from Earth satellites, airborne-, and ground-based instruments.
Learn more about this agency11/30/2022 to 03/24/2023
$77,738 - $101,055 per year
IS 11
No
No
Not required
No
Temporary - Trust fund, Temporary for one year with possibility of extension for another year. This is not a Federal position.
Full-time - Full Time.
Competitive
11
No
No
23-19
691664500
This position is open to all qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening of this vacancy.
The employee will be part of a research group working to design, implement, and improve software for atmospheric measurements and to perform scientific research using such measurements. The software will include advanced algorithms for converting from raw data to wavelength and radiometrically calibrated and geolocated radiance spectra, and for retrieving greenhouse gases from calibrated spectra. Research includes analyzing instrument calibration and testing data and developing calibration method, improving instrument L0 to 1 processor, and improving L1 to 2 retrieval algorithms for MethaneSAT and MethaneAIR.
1. Analyze instrument calibration test data to derive calibration coefficients, improve and develop advanced algorithms to convert from raw data to accurately calibrated and geolocated radiance spectra, and perform retrievals of greenhouse gases for MethaneAIR and MethaneSAT.
2. Participate in the implementation of algorithms on the cloud platform to make advanced atmospheric measurements.
3. Assist other scientists and/or programmers in developing programs for and in use of the satellite and airborne measurements.
4. Perform scientific studies involving atmospheric measurements, instrument calibration, atmospheric modeling, radiative transfer, tropospheric chemistry, and climate change.
5. Prepare refereed publications and present talks at professional meetings.
6. Perform other duties as may be required.
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions.
All applicants must meet these Basic Requirements: A. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics; OR B. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.
In addition to Basic Requirements above, you must have: a) One year of specialized experience that is equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to grade 9 level work in the Federal government. Specialized experience typically would be, successfully complete partial tasks contributing to the advancement of complex scientific projects; writing reports to detail progress on assigned tasks enhancing coordination between team members; and preparing publications and presenting talks at professional meetings.
OR
b) Education for Grade 11: Master's or equivalent graduate degree
OR
c) Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
See Qualifications.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above.The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
• Knowledge of Fortran 90/95 and Python
• Knowledge of scientific software development
• Knowledge of the principles and practices in the field of atmospheric science, physics or related filed, as evidenced by a PhD
• Knowledge of mathematics and physics of molecular spectroscopy and satellite, airborne, and ground-based remote sensing observations
• Skill in developing new software and modifying existing programs
• Skill in oral and written communication as evidenced by refereed journal publications in atmospheric measurements, molecular spectroscopy, and their applications; and the ability to present findings in a publishable format
Detailed resume or CV and bibliography
Names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references
College Transcripts.
Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable
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:
What to Expect Next: After you apply, you will receive an automated acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The staffing process to identify highly qualified candidates may take up to four weeks or more to complete. After the announcement closes and application reviews are done, you may be contacted by the hiring office if further evaluation or interviews are required. All applicants will receive written notification on the final outcome of the position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/691664500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of the largest and most diverse astrophysical institutions 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!
