Posting 24-48

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all qualified U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals.

SUMMARY: 

The Astrophysicist/External Relations (AERL) Lead will work with the Director, SAO Executive team and project PIs to manage relationships with related government agencies (NASA, NSF) as well as other relevant groups that align with the SAO strategic scientific goals.  

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. Oversees external partnerships, collaborative agreements, and/or foundational programs that align with the SAO strategic scientific goals, including communications, meeting preparation, and informing relevant stakeholders.
2. Works closely with the Director to strengthen existing partnerships and establish new partnerships aligned with the goals of the SAO.   Stands in for the Director in high level stakeholder and fund-agency meetings as needed. Assists the Director and the SAO Executive team in identifying, pursuing, and developing potential new partnerships. Works with SAO and SI administrative and legal departments as needed, and internal stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of new partnerships. Assists the SAO Executive team in identifying, pursuing, and developing potential new partnerships, collaborative agreements, contracts, and MOUs.
3. Actively monitors communications, partnership performance, engagement and overall health, and measures success against established metrics based on  research, data-driven analytical methods, well-established cost-benefit analysis techniques, and SAO priorities. Works with SAO and SI administrative and legal departments as needed, and internal stakeholders to ensure successful partnership management. Develops and presents regular  authoritative technical and management briefings to SAO and SI leadership and external stakeholders to inform, support and/or critically review and assess existing and/or new strategic partnerships.
4. Maintains a leadership role in astrophysical and/or astronomical research and prepares papers documenting research results for publication in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals. Presents results at scientific or technical meetings and conferences, and within the SAO.
5. Proposes for extramural contract and grant support for research into specific areas of astronomy, astrophysics, or related fields.

NOTE:  The incumbent of the position will be required to complete (Form-SI 1085)

QUALIFICATIONS: 

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.  

Specialized Experience: One year of directly related experience (Federal or other) equivalent to GS-13 in the federal service. Specialized experience would include activities such as formulating, conducting and the publication of independent and original programs of astrophysical research and experience in a leadership role in moderate sized collaborations at multiple stages of development, such as proposal, initiation, development, and implementation.

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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Please use the following link to apply: USAJOBS

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Electronic funds transfer/direct deposit is required for salary payment
• National and international travel may be required
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Pre- and post-appointment background investigation
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/group-stds/gs-prof.asp 

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/

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds supports and enhances our daily work life and contributes to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. For more information on the Smithsonian EEO program please see www.si.edu/oeema.