This is the position of Astrophysicist at the Submillimeter Array (SMA) project in the Radio and Geoastronomy Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Hilo, HI. The purpose of the position is to provide operational and technical support during routine science observations as well as engineering checkout, testing, and calibration. The SMA is the world's first Submillimeter interferometer and is located at high altitude (13,200 feet, near the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii). 

Duties

The employee operates the SMA during science and test observations. The employee works closely with other SMA staff to develop new observing procedures and operating modes.

Requirements

• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Must successfully pass a high altitude physical examination
• Must posses a valid state driver's license
• May work an irregular work schedule to include night, weekend, etc.
• Will work a first-fort work schedule

Qualifications

All applicants must meet these Basic Requirements: 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 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 Basic Requirements above, You must have one year of specialized experience (Federal or other) at the GS-5 level that is close or similar to the work of this job. The experience includes activities such as operating a telescope at a world class or university observatory, leading or assisting with astronomical or physics research, or writing or modifying computer software either professionally or as part of class work. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the average number of hours per week spent in such employment. SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE One full year of graduate level education in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics or A Bachelor's degree with a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics with Superior Academic Achievement. COMBINATION OF GRADUATE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE If you have less than the full amount of graduate education and less than the amount of experience described, but have a combination of the type of graduate education and the type of experience described, you may meet the minimum requirements for the position. The total percentage of education and experience must equal at least 100 percent to qualify under this provision. ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (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. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements. You must show proof that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the Required Documents section of this announcement.  NOTE: The Smithsonian does not recognize academic degrees from schools that are not accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the Department of Education. Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from Federal employment to removal from Federal service.

Education

Superior Academic Achievement Provisions: A Bachelor’s degree in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, plus at least one of the following superior academic achievement provisions:

1. A grade-point average (GPA) of B (3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale) for all completed undergraduate courses, or courses completed in the last two years of undergraduate curriculum; or

2. A grade-point average (GPA) of B+ (3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale) for the required courses in your major field of study, or required courses in your major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; or

3. Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; or 4. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society, other than freshman honor societies. Honor societies that have been approved are listed in the American College of Honor Societies. Booklet of Information (1992- 95) and/or Baird’s Manual of American College Fraternities (1991). To verify your claim for this provision, please submit a college transcript(s) showing that you maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 for all 4 years of undergraduate courses, or on all undergraduate courses completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum, including all transferred courses. Note: GPAs are to be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9. If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society.

Contacts

• Address SMITHSONIAN 60 Garden Street, MS17 60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138 Mail Stop 17 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 United States
• Name: Judy Gallagher
• Phone: 617-495-7374
• Email: [email protected]