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This is the position of Astrophysicist, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), Solar, Stellar and Planetary Sciences Division. The primary role for this scientist is formulate, conduct, and lead strong independent and original programs of astrophysical research.
Learn more about this agency11/08/2019 to 12/15/2019
$116,240 - $151,115 per year
GS 14
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Occasional travel - Travel may be required to attend meetings, conferences, etc. nationally and internationally.
No
Permanent
Full-Time
Competitive
14
No
No
20-09
551292400
This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals (including Veterans recruitment) residing in the local commuting area. Excepted Service employees living in the local commuting area may also apply to this announcement.
-Formulate, conduct and lead strong independent and original programs of astrophysical research that align with the strategic interests of SAO, especially by microlensing techniques.
-Develop research plans and hypotheses and carry them through to completion by submitting proposals, analyzing data and interpreting results.Lead investigations in a specific area of astrophysical research, especially exoplanet science and microlensing observing. Initiate, plan, and carry out research in related areas of astrophysics.
-Prepare papers describing results, techniques, and interpretations for publication in scientific or technical journals, and presentation at scientific or technical meetings and conferences, and within the CfA. In addition, the incumbent will maintain a high profile in the scientific community.
-Propose for extramural contract and grant support, including self-supporting fellowship funding, for research in astronomy, astrophysics, or related fields in the physical sciences as collaborator on a scientific team or as PI.
-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. The incumbent takes part in research planning activities on the national level, including participation in advisory committees, scientific workshops, conferences, etc. In addition, the incumbent serves as a consultant to other agencies, institutions, and to other specialists in the field.
Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days of the job opportunity announcement closing date.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/astronomy-and-space-science-series-1330/
In addition to the education requirements, applicants must possess a minimum of one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 13 level in the normal line of progress for this occupation. Specialized experience would include activities such as publication of independent and original programs of astrophysical research based on astronomical microlensing observations, especially microlensing studies of exoplanets from ground- and space-based telescopes, and leadership in national and international initiatives to develop the next generation of telescopes that will be used to increase microlensing observing capabilities with external agencies such as NSF or NASA.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
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 , plus appropriate experience or additional education.
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
A recruitment bonus may be paid.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
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:
-Demonstrated skill in identifying, formulating, and conducting original and independent research in observations and interpretation of exoplanet microlensing events, using both ground-based telescopes and space-borne instrumentation.
-Thorough knowledge of the concepts and physical principles underlying microlensing and precision photometry in the optical and near-infrared wavelength bands.
-Advanced skill in the preparation of research results for dissemination to the scientific community.
-Skill developing and managing original and significant scientific projects with extramural sponsors such as NSF or NASA.
-Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.
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.
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 sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
Your application package must include the following documents:
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 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.
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/551292400. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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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!
