The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
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Posting 23-114

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Job Title:
Physical Science Technician, IS-1311, Grade 7; $52,527 - $68,285 Annually
Type of Position:
Trust Fund (non-federal) Temporary, Not to Exceed Two Years with The Possibility of Extension for A Third Year
Division/Department:
Facility:
Job Location:
Cambridge, MA
Posting Opening Date:
Posting Closing Date:

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:  This position is open to all qualified candidates who are US citizens or Perm Residents.

SUMMARY: 

The Physical Science Tech is responsible for supporting the operations of the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) project. This includes supporting observational command development in Linux, testing and validating observing commands and writing and maintaining documents in support of the TEMPO project.

DUTIES:

Duties may include but are not limited to:

  1. Support TEMPO observations by generating, testing and validating observing commands.
  2. Perform observation planning with the Science Data Processing Center (SDPC) and participates in observation planning meetings.
  3. Develop, verify, and validate instrument command loads.
  4. Monitor instrument health and safety, including instrument long term trending and performance monitoring. Monitors data for quality, recognizing problems and taking immediate corrective action.
  5. Work with the science team for special instrument activities and calibration operations.
  6. Assist scientists in verification of the processed data, generate reports, analyze problems and communicate solutions to the team.
  7. Compose IOC and SDPC operational documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Basic Requirements:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position. Specialized experience may include work in the fields of astronomy, physics, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, health physics, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography, and metallurgy if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

Experience as a laboratory mechanic or in a trade or craft may be credited as general or specialized experience when the work was performed in close association with physical scientists or other technical personnel and provided intensive knowledge of appropriate scientific principles, methods, techniques, and precedents. 

OR 

Applicants may substitute successful completion of 1 year of appropriate graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or the equivalent) in physical science or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience, provided it demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position. 

Additional information

For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions

Application Procedures:  We are only accepting online applications for this position. To apply please visit USAJOBS at: USAJOBS

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

Visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/

Learn more about SAO Human Resources

Visit the SAO website