TITLE: Astrophysicist, Grade 07, $32,534 - $42,290/yr*
TYPE OF POSITION: Federal Term NTE 13 Months (With the Possibility of Extension Total 4 Years)
DIVISION: - Radio and Geoastronomy Division, Submillimeter Array Project
LOCATION: Hilo, Mauna Kea, HI

*Plus Cost of Living Allowance currently at 17% and 8% Hazard Pay Differential

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Selectee will be required to pass a physical examination to determine ability to perform work at high altitude prior to employment. Must possess a valid state driver’s license with good driving record and be able to drive a 4WD vehicle on unpaved roads. A significant fraction of the operator’s non duty time will be spent at the dormitory used by all Mauna Kea telescopes, located at 9,000 ft elevation. Subject to First 40 work schedule.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All sources. No Federal service is required, but competition is restricted to U.S. citizens.

DUTIES: The SAO Submillimeter Array (SMA) is a radio interferometric array of antennas conducting scientific operations on the 13,200 ft summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. It consists of 8 parabolic antennas with heterodyne receivers that operate in the frequency range of 180-900 GHz. The signals from the individual antennas are brought together on fiber optic cables and processed in a custom built correlator that is capable of 230 trillion operations per second. Its output is calibrated and converted into arcsecond resolution images of astrophysical radiation sources. The purpose of the position is to provide technical support during the engineering checkout, testing and calibration phase of the SMA as well as routine science observations. Specific duties include but are not limited to: working regularly scheduled shifts at the summit control center for the purpose of acquiring test and astronomical data; participating in the analysis and interpretation of test data; assisting visiting astronomers with test observations; assisting with the testing measurements of the components of the SMA ; analyzing data; assisting new observers in the use of the instrument; helping in the analysis of astronomical data; becoming familiar with operation and control of the individual elements of the SMA as well as the whole array itself; understanding the software running the system; ability to tune the receivers and trouble shooting problems in the hardware; assisting in writing observatory documentation and manuals for astronomers; and assisting visiting astronomers with test observations and their astronomical observations including data analysis with astronomical imaging programs such as AIPS, IDL or MIRIAD.

QUALIFICATIONS : Basic Experience: Candidates must possess either A) 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) a combination of education and experience – at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space sciences, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have had either specialized experience and/or directly related education. Education and experience may be combined to meet the total experience requirements.

Specialized Experience: Candidates must also possess 1 year of specialized professional experience which is equivalent to the grade 5 or one full year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement (3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0). Specialized experience is experience as a research assistant using astronomical image processing programs or the creation of custom software for astronomical uses.

Selective Placement Factor: Candidates whose applications do not show they possess this experience will not receive further consideration. On a separate sheet of paper, submit a paragraph describing specific experience, education, or training for the factor listed.

1. Skill in operating a telescope either at an observatory or in a university setting.

Quality Ranking Factors: On a separate sheet of paper, submit a paragraph describing specific experience, education, or training for each of the factors listed. Candidates who have the specialized experience and meet the selective factor as outlined above will be further evaluated according to the degree to which they possess the following:
1. Knowledge of basic astronomical research techniques and familiarity with astronomical image processing programs such as AIPS, IDL or MIRIAD
2. Knowledge of the physics of modeling and to be able to analyze data, draw conclusions, and organize and summarize information pertaining to the data into reports.
3. Knowledge of mathematics to be able to develop and analyze algorithms, perform the necessary calculations, and convert them into computer code.
4. Knowledge of higher level programming languages such as C, Fortran or Labview.
5. Knowledge of programming techniques, computer equipment and systems software.
6. Skill in analyzing problems and developing solutions.
7. Skill in oral and written communication.

BASIS OF RATING: Clearly describe in your resume or application your work experience, education and/or training as it relates to this vacancy. The information you provide will be evaluated to determine whether you meet the specialized experience requirement and the selective placement factor and are therefore qualified for this position. The information you provide will also be evaluated to determine the degree to which you possess the quality ranking factors. Quality ranking factors are used to determine who are the highest qualified candidates among those eligible to compete for the position. Therefore, it is to your benefit to fully describe your experience and education/training relative to the job requirements of this vacancy. Your application may not receive proper consideration if you do not provide adequate information. This position has a positive education requirement and all applicants must provide a copy of their college transcripts, (1) unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Failure to provide your college transcripts or a list of completed college courses will result in you not receiving consideration for this position, and you will receive an ineligible rating. If you are hired, you must provide an official transcript prior to appointment.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested candidates should submit resumes to Recruiter #456 at the address below or to saoresumes@cfa.harvard.edu. by July 30, 2008. Please be sure to reference Job Posting #28-22. Applications should contain the announcement number, full legal name, mailing address with zip code, day and evening telephone numbers, and Social Security Number. A copy of your college transcripts must be included. The Smithsonian does not require a standard application form, but we need certain information to evaluate your qualifications. You may apply using a resume, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612) or a SF- 171, Application for Federal Employment. (Note: If you use a SF-171, do not answer questions 38-47.) For experience most relevant to the position, include the name and address of employer, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), job title, salary, a description of your duties, responsibilities, accomplishments, and hours worked per week for each job listed. Indicate whether or not your current supervisor may be contacted. Prepare a separate entry for each job. In addition, job finalists will be asked to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine their suitability for Federal employment.

SAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

VETERANS: Applicants claiming entitlement to veteran’s preference must include a copy of their DD214. Applicants claiming entitlement to 10-point veterans’ preference must also submit an SF-15 form with the required documentary proof. A copy of DD 214 or other official documentation is required and may be faxed to 617-495-7263, please ensure the vacancy announcement number is included.

NOTE: All Smithsonian Institution positions require background checks, including fingerprinting. New employees may be subject to one-year probationary periods. Relocation expenses will not be paid. Recruitment bonus may be paid.

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 and the Federal Government are both EEO/Affirmative Action Employers

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

Mailing address:
Recruiter 456 (JP#28-22)
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
60 Garden Street, MS 17
Cambridge, MA 02138