This is the position of an Astrophysicist to serve as Deputy Director of the SMA, located in Cambridge, MA.  In coordination with the SMA Director in Hawaii, the incumbent will provide guidance on SMA scientific priorities and program execution and oversee upgrades to SMA instrumentation and software to extend its capabilities.  In addition, the incumbent will carry out independent research in astrophysics exploiting and exercising these new capabilities.

Duties

Provides scientific leadership for the SMA; guiding TAC selection criteria within SMA science objectives, providing guidance and assessing priorities of SMA scientific operations.

Requirements

• Pre- and post-appointment background investigation
• May be required to serve an 18-month probationary period for managers.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience: One year of directly related experience (Federal or other) equivalent to GS-14 in the federal service. Specialized experience would include activities as a Physicist or Astrophysicist conducting astrophysical reserach and instrumentation development in millimeter and/or submillimeter astronomy  The incumbent must have experience conducting obserations with a world class mm and/or submm radio interferometer. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. There is no education substitution for this position. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement.  Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Important Note: The review of your resume will determine your final rating and should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.

Education

Minimum Education Requirements:
A) Degree in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science or electronics, including course work in differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy or physics;  OR

B) A combination of education and experience equivalent to A above including 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.  

Contacts

• Address SMITHSONIAN Office of Human Resources 60 Garden Street MS 17 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 United States
• Name: HR Specialist
• Phone: 617-495-7374
• Email: [email protected]