Job posting 12-19
Opening date: February 8, 2012
Closing date: February 23, 2012
TITLE: Astrophysicist, IS-1330, Grade 12; $75,222 to $97,787/yr
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund (non-federal) Indefinite
DIVISION: - High Energy Astrophysics Division
LOCATION: Cambridge, Massachusetts
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All qualified candidates
This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 13. The employee may be non-
competitively promoted to the next higher grade level, up to grade 13, upon the recommendation of the
supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.
The Astrophysicist will participate in a program of research to broaden the understanding of solar and stellar x-
ray astronomy and astrophysics with emphasis on the structure, formation, and dynamical properties of the
coronae. The investigation aims to constrain theoretical models of coronal heating, reconnection, and stability
using a variety of observational and modeling techniques.
DUTIES: Duties may include, but are not limited to; developing Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph
(IRIS), Hinode's X-Ray Telescope (XRT) and Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) data products;
participating in the AIA/SDO, Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) explorer and Hinode missions by
contributing to the operation and/or calibration of the instrument and by supporting the promotion and
dissemination of the data; working and collaborating with solar groups or other organizations to coordinate
research efforts, provide and obtain information, and exchange ideas; formulating and carrying out scientific
research with observing programs to include preparation and submission of proposals, reduction and analysis of
resulting data, interpretation of results, and fulfilling contractual commitments; participating in scholarly
activities by disseminating scientific results through contributed presentations at colloquia, workshops and
conferences, and submitting papers to scholarly journals, conference proceedings, books, or preparing technical
reports; and participating in educational public outreach activities .
QUALIFICATIONS :
Education: All applicants must meet these Basic Requirements:
A. Degree in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, or space science. 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, and mathematics with required course work as shown in A
above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to the basic requirements listed above applicants must possess the following:
a. A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 11 level in the normal line
of progress for this occupation which should demonstrate: a thorough background in physics or astrophysics;
skill in the analysis and interpretation of UV, EUV, or x-ray observations of the sun; skill in conducting the
testing and assembly of optical instrumentation and knowledge of instrumentation and knowledge of
instrumentation; knowledge of plasma emission modeling; knowledge of solar data analysis; ability to develop
observational and analysis proposals; ability to present findings in a publishable format and to present
materials at professional meetings; and skill in the application of modern computer technology to the solution
of scientific problems, or
b. A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field, or
c.A combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: We will only accept applications on line for this position. For complete
information and online application procedures, please visit :
USAJOBS
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