Astrophysicist.

Duties

Provides scientific leadership for the SMA; guiding TAC selection criteria within SMA science objectives, providing guidance and assessing priorities of SMA scientific operations.

Supports the SMA Director in SMA strategic planning. Oversees development of long term priorities for SMA facilities and instruments, manages relationships with partners and advisory committees.

Oversees and directs the activities of the Radio Science Technology Laboratory (RSTL), including those supporting current and future upgrades of the SMA, as well as other endeavors. Keeps stakeholders apprised of developments, including the SMA Director and the AD of Science & Technology.

Leads and participates in efforts to develop capabilities that extend the scientific reach of the SMA, including wide-field mapping surveys, VLBI observations, and other special observing modes.

Conducts a program of observational research in radio, millimeter, and submillimeter astronomy, leveraging CfA facilities such as the SMA. Prepares papers describing results of research and developments for publication in scientific or technical journals and for presentation at scientific or technical meetings or conferences and within the CfA.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Pre- and post-appointment background investigation
• May be required to serve an 18-month probationary period for managers.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
  
  

Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.

For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on

Qualifications

Specialized Experience: One year of directly related experience (Federal or other) equivalent to GS-14 in the federal service. Specialized experience would include activities as a Physicist or Astrophysicist conducting astrophysical reserach and instrumentation development in millimeter and/or submillimeter astronomy The incumbent must have experience conducting obserations with a world class mm and/or submm radio interferometer.

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.

There is no education substitution for this position.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Important Note

The review of your resume will determine your final rating and should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.

Education

Minimum Education Requirements

• Degree in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science or electronics, including course work in differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy or physics; OR
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to A above including 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.
  
  

Additional information

• The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
• Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
  
  

Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.

• The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
• The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (
• 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.
  
  

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.