Posting 23-146

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date.

SUMMARY: 

This is the position of Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the High Energy Astrophysics Division. The purpose of this position is to train postdoctoral researchers to conceive, plan and conduct highly specialized research in astrophysics. The incumbent will be expected to perform scholarly research and participate in making contributions to the physical fields of science.

DUTIES:

1. Conduct a program of research and scholarship in the area of high-redshift AGN under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator
2. Assists in the development of software and procedures of the reduction, analysis of imaging and spectra, and interpretation of data as needed; or assists in the development of analytical methods and/or software to model physical processes and conditions.
3. Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which engaged, for example prepare papers for publication in scientific journals, prepare and present findings at scientific meetings, as required.
4. Support, as required, the development of proposals for research funding.
5. Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of your research group.
6. Mentor and assist, as appropriate and as directed, the research graduate students in your area of research.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Basic Requirements:

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. Combination of education and experience -- 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, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to the basic requirements, candidates for the grade 11 must also possess one of the following:

A. Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or

B. Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation.  Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as experience publishing refereed publications in relevant journals involving analysis of X-ray data; or

C. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.

Qualification requirements are derived from the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1300/1330.htm

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APPLICATION PROCEDURE: We will only accept applications online for this position. To view the complete vacancy posting, requirements and the procedures to apply, please visit USAJOBS

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