This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/550982400. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Summary
This is the position of Astrophysicist (Observing Assistant) at the Submillimeter Array project in the Radio and Geoastronomy Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SMA), Hilo, HI.
Comprised of 8 relocatable antennas and associated instrumentation, the SMA is an interferometer array for astronomical observations at submillimeter wavelengths, 190 - 420 GHZ. Support offices/laboratories are located in Hilo while the telescope is located on Maunakea at 4075m (13375 ft) altitude.
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Overview
- Reviewing applications
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Open & closing dates
11/06/2019 to 12/04/2019
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Salary
$43,256 - $56,235 per year
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Pay scale & grade
GS 07
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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 may be required to attend scientific, technical, or administrative meetings or other functions at SAO or other institutions.
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Term - Term appointment for 13 months. This appointment may be extended up to four years.
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Work schedule
Full-time - Full Time
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Service
Competitive
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Promotion potential
07
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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
20-08
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Control number
550982400
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This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals (including Veterans recruitment). Excepted Service employees may also apply to this announcement.
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Duties
- Operate the SMA from the control rooms on Maunakea and in Hilo during scheduled shifts to acquire astronomical and test data. Science observations require attentive monitoring of antenna pointing, receiver and correlator characteristics, general system performance, and data quality. Setup the array prior to observations, which entails visual inspection of the antennas, receiver tuning to optimize sensitivity, and system readiness tests.
- Participate in the analysis and interpretation of test data, which may include the integration of pointing data acquired from optical and radio observations and from tilt meters into a global model of antenna performance; drawing conclusions regarding the quality and reliability of scientific data; and organizing and summarizing results in reports.
- Assist visiting and staff astronomers with astronomical and test observations, including data analysis with astronomical image processing software such as CASA, MIRIAD, or IDL. Participate in the modification or development of observing and data reduction software.
- Participate in observatory outreach events, including public presentations, science fair demonstrations, classroom visits, and observatory tours. Contribute to written observatory documentation, manuals, and scientific publications.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Pre- and post-appointment background investigation
- May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
- Successful completion of a High Altitude Physical is required.
- Must possess a valid state driver's license.
- Irregular work hours including weekends and holidays may be required.
- The Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) rate for 2019 is 4.76%
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/standards/IORs/gs1300/1330. Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days after the closing date of announcement.
Qualifications
All applicants must meet these Basic 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.
OR
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 Basic Requirements above, you must have one year of specialized experience (Federal or other) that is equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal government performing the following duties: providing operational and technical support during science observations including engineering checkout, testing and calibration of scientific instruments. Specialized experience for this position would typically include activities such as operating a telescope at a world class or university observatory, leading or assisting with astronomical or physics research, or writing or modifying computer software either professionally or as part of class work.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the average number of hours per week spent in such employment.
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE One full year of graduate level education in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics or A Bachelor's degree with a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics with Superior Academic Achievement.
COMBINATION OF GRADUATE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE If you have less than the full amount of graduate education and less than the amount of experience described, but have a combination of the type of graduate education and the type of experience described, you may meet the minimum requirements for the position. The total percentage of education and experience must equal at least 100 percent to qualify under this provision.
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Failure to provide your college transcripts or a list of completed college courses will result in you not receiving consideration for this position, and you will receive an ineligible rating.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements. You must show proof that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the Required Documents section of this announcement.
NOTE: The Smithsonian does not recognize academic degrees from schools that are not accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the Department of Education. Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from Federal employment to removal from Federal service.
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
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 Basic Requirements above, you must have one year of specialized experience (Federal or other) that is equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal government performing the following duties: providing operational and technical support during science observations including engineering checkout, testing and calibration of scientific instruments. Specialized experience for this position would typically include activities such as operating a telescope at a world class or university observatory, leading or assisting with astronomical or physics research, or writing or modifying computer software either professionally or as part of class work.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the average number of hours per week spent in such employment.
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE One full year of graduate level education in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics or A Bachelor's degree with a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics with Superior Academic Achievement.
COMBINATION OF GRADUATE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE If you have less than the full amount of graduate education and less than the amount of experience described, but have a combination of the type of graduate education and the type of experience described, you may meet the minimum requirements for the position. The total percentage of education and experience must equal at least 100 percent to qualify under this provision.
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Failure to provide your college transcripts or a list of completed college courses will result in you not receiving consideration for this position, and you will receive an ineligible rating.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements. You must show proof that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the Required Documents section of this announcement.
NOTE: The Smithsonian does not recognize academic degrees from schools that are not accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the Department of Education. Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from Federal employment to removal from Federal service.
Additional information
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
A recruitment bonus may be paid, if eligible.
Employees must participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds for salary payment.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
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.
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.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. Applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
- Knowledge and skill in the operation of telescopes to obtain science or test data at either world class or university level facilities.
- Knowledge of physics or astronomy sufficient to understand astronomical instrumentation and techniques and astrophysical processes; to develop algorithms; to analyze data; to draw conclusions; to organize data; and to summarize information in reports.
- Knowledge of astronomical image processing software such as CASA, MIRIAD, IDL, etc.
- Knowledge of high level programming languages such as Python, C, or Perl, of computer equipment, and of systems software.
- Ability to communicate technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria:
Best Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and excels in most of the job related competencies above.
Better Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job related competencies above.
Good Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements, but does not satisfy most of the job related competencies above to a substantive degree.
This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category 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 have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not be considered for this position.
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.
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 should include the following documents:
- Detailed resume
- 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.
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).
- You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. 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.
- 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.
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).
- You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process;
OR
You may manually fax required documents. 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. - 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
Judy Gallagher
- 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. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Help
Required Documents
Your application package should include the following documents:
- Detailed resume
- 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.
Help
Please Note:
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 and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
- You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. 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.
- 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.
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).
- You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process;
OR
You may manually fax required documents. 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. - 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
Judy Gallagher
- 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. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
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
Judy Gallagher
- Address
-
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States