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This is the position of Director, Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) with High Energy Astrophysics, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The incumbent is responsible for directing CXC activities and staff so as to maximize the scientific return of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, one of NASA's Great Observatories.
Learn more about this agency04/08/2020 to 06/26/2020
$131,239 - $197,300 per year
IL 00
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
50% or less - Travel is required nationally and internationally to attend meetings, presentations, etc.
No
Permanent - Indefinite (non-federal)
Full-time - Full Time
Competitive
00
Yes
No
20-40
565000100
This position is open to all qualified U.S. Citizens.
1. Directs all CXC activities and staff so as to maximize the scientific return of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, one of NASA’s Great Observatories. Supervises a team of senior scientists and provides top-level direction to an organization of approximately 200 people with a budget of approximately $55 million per year. Acts to insure Chandra's health and safety and thereby maximize its longevity and overall science return.
2. Serves as selection official for proposals recommended by the annual peer review cycle. Provides leadership and exercises scientific expertise in conducting the Chandra Directors Discretionary Time (DDT) program. Reviews and approves triggers for peer reviewed Target of Opportunity (TOO) observations. Reviews and approves the annual calibration program. Works with the mission planning team to understand evolving constraints with implications for scheduling rapid response TOOs and DDTs as well as scheduling peer reviewed programs. Interacts with the science instrument and aspect camera experts to stay informed on evolving performance capabilities and the implications regarding optimized observing modes and potential science return. Assesses options identified by science data systems and data systems teams and works with them to set/approve priorities and schedules moving forward in a time of fixed resources. Provides direction to all other CXC activities including spacecraft and ground operations, science data processing, and data distribution and archiving.
3. Leads the effort to plan and prepare the triennial Chandra proposal to the NASA Astrophysics Division Senior Review and leads the presentations to the review panel.
4. Oversees, advises, encourages and stimulates scientific research activities of members of the CXC research staff in the field of high-energy astrophysics. Keeps abreast of new developments in research, suggests new avenues of investigation and new research methods and techniques, and maintains an awareness of the frontiers of knowledge in the field.
5. Participates with the SAO Director and High Energy Astrophysics Division Associate Director in the formulation of research plans and priorities for future directions for the Astrophysical Observatory. Participates as required in the evaluation and appraisal of the contributions by the divisional staff members and their collaborators.
6. Plans, initiates and conducts independent research in x-ray astronomy. Prepares scientific papers, presenting the results of these studies for publication in international scientific journals and/or for presentation at scientific and technical meetings and conferences.
7. As appropriate, prepares and submits proposals for the conduct of scientific research to various telescopes and funding sources. Encourages and guides other staff members in these activities.
8. Serves as a scientific leader and consultant to the research community and NASA on matters concerning the application of x-ray astronomy to the solution of significant astrophysical questions.
9. Serves on national committees developing plans to guide future directions for the field. Serves as speaker, panelist, conference leader, committee chair and in other similar capacities at national and international conferences, public forums and comparable gatherings.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/group-stds/gs-prof.asp
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema). The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses. A recruitment bonus may be paid.
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 education and specialized requirements. Applicants that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
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:
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This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/565000100. 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!
