This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/565003200. 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, Very Energetic Radiation Imagining Telescope Array System (VERITAS), Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO), Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division (OIR), Amado, AZ. Along with conducting original research in the field of very high energy gamma-ray astrophysics using VERITAS, the incumbent will serve as the on-site deputy to the VERITAS Observatory Manager during telescope operations and as the VERITAS IT Systems Manager.
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Overview
- Reviewing applications
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Open & closing dates
04/08/2020 to 05/06/2020
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Salary
$64,694 - $100,808 per year
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Pay scale & grade
IS 11 - 12
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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 - Some travel may be required to scientific conferences and/or technical collaboration meeting as required.
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Permanent - Trust Fund Indefinite (This is NOT a federal position)
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Work schedule
Full-time - Full time
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Service
Competitive
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Promotion potential
12
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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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Position sensitivity and risk
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Trust determination process
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Announcement number
20-37
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Control number
565003200
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This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
All qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. Selection may be made at either of the above grade levels. If selection is made at the grade 11, the selectee may be non-competitively promoted to the grade 12 upon recommendation of the Professional Accomplishments Evaluation Committee (PAEC).
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Duties
Grade 11 duties may include, but are not limited to:
- As Deputy VERITAS Observatory Manager, oversees VERITAS upgrades and day-to-day science operations as assigned, and assists with VERITAS operations as needed. This includes the following:
- Participating in the scientific operation and maintenance of the telescopes, in leading a scientific observing program of various targets, and in helping others in making such observations.
- Providing technical direction to optical, electrical, and mechanical technicians.
- Advising the Observatory Director and Observatory Managers of technical, scientific and safety ramifications of changes in the technical aspects of the facility, and of changes in schedule.
- Supporting the organization of work related to the annual summer shutdown and corresponding fall start-up of the facility, and participating in major maintenance / upgrade tasks performed during this shutdown.
- Participating in the testing, maintenance, repair and upgrades of the VERITAS and CTA-SCT telescopes, cameras and auxiliary systems.
- Providing technical assistance to all VERITAS sub-projects and CTA subsystems; including those involving the telescope structure, drive systems, optics, camera, electronics and software including data acquisition, reduction and archiving.
- Participates in the preparation of VERITAS Project Office reports and proposals, and Project Office planning for the professional, technical, fiscal and schedule direction of the VERITAS project.
- As IT Systems Manager for the VERITAS and CTA-SCT facilities, maintains, monitors, services, and upgrades all on-site (dominantly Linux-based) project computers including the scientific computing cluster, data storage, and networking systems. These include computers integral to the telescopes, cameras, camera electronics, calibration systems, and the facility (e.g., array control, local archive, next-day analyses); as well as those of VERITAS Project Office staff. This includes the following:
- Identifying and specifying IT hardware / infrastructure needed for continued VERITAS operation, and assisting in the preparation of related statements-of-work and vendor lists.
- Ensuring the compatibility, and adherence to established hardware and software specifications, of all on-site computing systems.
- Maintaining familiarity with all software developed for use with VERITAS, including those for scientific analysis.
- Maintaining a comprehensive set of system, software and networking documents.
- Serves as an active member of the VERITAS Project Office, which manages the operation of both the VERITAS-array and the CTA-SCT and develops their associated hardware, programs, and facilities. Attends VERITAS Project Office meetings, and participates in long- and short-range planning including development of the professional, technical, fiscal, and schedule direction of the VERITAS and CTA-SCT projects. Assists with Project Office reporting and coordination of the schedule and activities of visiting VERITAS and CTA personnel. Maintains, monitors, services, and upgrades Project Office content management systems, electronic calendars, and logbooks. Assists with public information and outreach programs.
- Conducts research in the field of very high energy gamma-ray astrophysics using VERITAS and CTA. Maintains knowledge of current results and techniques in particle astrophysics, particularly gamma-ray astronomy, and designs and develops software programs as needed to execute required calculations. Serves as an active member of the VERITAS and CTA scientific collaborations, and makes scientific and technical presentations at Collaboration meetings, supports science-program planning, and develops scientific and technical software for use by Collaboration researchers. Prepares papers documenting research results for publication in scientific journals / proceedings. Participates in technical meetings and conferences to present research results and discuss current work with other scientists and project personnel.
Duties at the grade 12 may include the duties above in addition to:
1. Supporting the organization of work related to the annual summer shutdown and corresponding fall start-up of the facility, and participating in major maintenance / upgrade tasks performed during this shutdown.
2. Participating in the preparation of VERITAS Project Office reports and proposals, and Project Office planning for the professional, technical, fiscal and schedule direction of the VERITAS project.
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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.
- Valid state driver's license is required.
In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates for the grade 11must 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 professional research experience in very high-energy gamma-ray astronomy or the operation of a gamma ray telescope system and its associated computer infrastructure, or knowledge of computing techniques for the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of observational data.
c) Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
Grade 12:
In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess either:
a) Ph.D. degree or equivalent graduate degree; or
b) One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 that is close or similar to the work of the position. Specific relevant experience would include: Prior membership in the VERITAS collaboration including lead hardware and / or IT responsibilities, managerial-level operations responsibilities for another particle-astrophysics experiment (e.g. HESS or MAGIC), or significant field-work deploying particle-astrophysics detectors.
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.
- A valid driver's license is required as the incumbent is required to drive Whipple Observatory vehicles on mountainous roads.
- Operational emergencies may require immediate response at all hours and may require an on-site presence at night.
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.
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.
Grade 11:
- Broad knowledge of physics and/or astrophysics with particular emphasis on particle astrophysics and/or high-energy gamma-ray astronomy, as might be evidenced by a Ph.D. or comparable professional experience.
- Knowledge of computing techniques for the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of observational data.
- Ability to manage complex Linux-based computer systems and related infrastructure required for the acquisition, analysis, and storage of large volumes of scientific data.
- Ability to provide professional and technical expertise to scientists, engineers, technicians and key personnel from collaborating institutions.
- Ability to document scientific results for publication in scientific journals and for presentation at professional conferences.
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a research group or scientific team.
Grade 12:
- Broad knowledge of physics and/or astrophysics with particular emphasis on particle astrophysics and/or high-energy gamma-ray astronomy, as might be evidenced by a Ph.D. or comparable professional experience.
- Advanced knowledge of computing techniques and specialized software used in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of observational data.
- Ability to manage complex Linux-based computer systems and related infrastructure required for the acquisition, analysis, and storage of large volumes of scientific data.
- Ability to provide professional and technical expertise to scientists, engineers, technicians and key personnel from collaborating institutions.
- Skill in preparing scientific results for publication in scientific journals and for presentation at professional conferences.
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a research group or scientific team.
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 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
Judy Gallagher
- 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.
Help
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
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.
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