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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.
Learn more about this agency04/08/2020 to 05/06/2020
$64,694 - $100,808 per year
IS 11 - 12
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Occasional travel - Some travel may be required to scientific conferences and/or technical collaboration meeting as required.
No
Permanent - Trust Fund Indefinite (This is NOT a federal position)
Full-time - Full time
Competitive
12
No
No
20-37
565003200
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).
Grade 11 duties may include, but are not limited to:
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.
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.
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.
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:
Grade 12:
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
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 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/565003200. 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!
