TITLE: Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software), IS-2210, Grades 7, 9, 11,$44,897 to $76,989/yr
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund (non-Federal) Temporary not to exceed one year with the possibility of extensions for an additional three years
DIVISION: - High Energy Astrophysics Division
LOCATION: Cambridge, Massachusetts
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All qualified candidates

*More than one position may be filled from this announcement.
*Candidates who applied under Job Posting 27-31 will receive consideration under this announcement.

First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. Selection may be made at either the grade 7, 9 or 11 level. If selected at the grade 7 or 9 level the employee may be non-competitively promoted to the next higher grade level, up to grade 11, upon the recommendation of the supervisor, based on the position classification as well as the qualifications and satisfactory performance of the employee.

This is the position of IT Specialist (Applications Software) in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The employee will be assigned to the National Virtual Observatory (NVO) project, and will be part of a team working to design, develop and implement Virtual Observatory (VO) software. The Virtual Observatory is an international collaboration whose goal is to ensure interoperability of astronomical data from major data archives world- wide.

The employee’s primary focus will be on developing Java classes to instantiate VO data models (Space Time Coordinates and Spectrum). The incumbent will be supervised by an SAO staff scientist who is involved in developing the VO data model. Responsibilities include:

*Designing, developing and testing software
* Writing user documentation
* Installing and testing VO software developed by other groups
* Participating in setting up the SAO VO node
* Working with other SAO and Harvard University groups involved in VO software development

DUTIES:

1. Duties at the grade 7 level are in the form of assigned tasks relating to the duties described below for the grade 9 level. Grade 7 is a developmental trainee level where employees receive on-the-job training and developmental experience under the guidance of more experienced computer specialists.
2. Duties at the grade 9 level may include, but are not limited to: Assisting in and/or implementing all aspects of the software development lifecycle: requirements generation, design, coding, verification, testing, and maintenance; Generating code; Developing scientific software libraries and modules; Creating new programs that add to system capability and modifying existing programs to meet new requirements; Obtaining data necessary to define scientific and system requirements; Verifying, testing and maintaining software as part of an overall system; and generating documentation for the software.
3. Duties at the grade 11 level, in addition to the above, may include assisting other programmers or scientists in developing programs; and designing, coding and debugging software components to support development of libraries and modules for the NVO facility project.

QUALIFICATIONS : Candidates for all grade levels must possess experience with Unix and Linux; experience with Java strongly preferred; knowledge of mathematics sufficient to communicate with scientists and engineers concerning the nature of the calculations being performed and algorithms being developed; knowledge of debugging techniques and version control software; knowledge and/or experience in data analysis or software development in a science environment; knowledge of modern programming practices and standards (OOD and programming); and good oral and written communication skills. In addition, candidates must possess the qualifications required for the specific grade levels for which they are applying, as noted below.

Candidates for grade 7 must posses a minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 5 level in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is that which is directly related to the position to be filled, and that has equipped the candidate with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are required to perform the duties of the position successfully. One of the following may substitute for the above experience:

1. one year of graduate level education in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or related field, or in a field such as physical science where course work required the development or adaptation of computer programs and systems and provided knowledge equivalent to graduate level education in a computer field; or
2. superior academic achievement as an undergraduate in one of the above cited fields; or
3. combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.

1. two years of graduate level education or Master's or equivalent degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or related field, or in a field such as a physical science where course work required development or adaptation of computer programs and systems and provided knowledge equivalent to graduate level education in a computer field; or
2. combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.

1. three years of graduate level education in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or related field, or in a field such as a physical science where the course work required the development or adaptation of computer programs and systems and provided knowledge equivalent to graduate level education in the computer field; or
2. Ph.D. or equivalent degree in one of the fields cited above; or
3. combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.

NOTE: Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful/satisfactory completion of a pre-appointment background check and subsequent background investigation. New employees are subject to background checks, including fingerprinting, and a one year probationary period.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested candidates should submit resumes to Recruiter #461, referring to Job Posting #28-02, at the mailing address below, or to saoresumes@cfa.harvard.edu. Please note that the email address is for the submission of application materials only. If you are relying on education to qualify, please furnish a copy of your college transcripts.

Please complete the Applicant Survey Form, which is used to collect information from candidates during the search process to evaluate the effectiveness of the Institution's search and recruit efforts. Please print all responses. The information provided is not a part of the selection process and will be used for statistical purposes only. Your voluntary responses will have no effect on your consideration.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace.

Visit our SAO website. or http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/sao-home.html

Mailing address:
Recruiter 461 (JP#28-02)
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
60 Garden Street, MS 17
Cambridge, MA 02138