Posting #24-53

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:   This Merit Promotion position is open to Current Federal Employees and Former Federal Employees with permanent status or reinstatement eligibility. Individuals who are eligible for a special appointing authority may also apply such as Individuals with Disabilities (Schedule A), former Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and Vista volunteers; certain Military Spouses, or individuals eligible under various programs for Veterans (VRA, VEOA, 30% disabled)..

DUTIES

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

Supports the SMA Director in SMA strategic planning. Oversees development of long term priorities for SMA facilities and instruments, manages relationships with partners and advisory committees.

Oversees and directs the activities of the Radio Science Technology Laboratory (RSTL), including those supporting current and future upgrades of the SMA, as well as other endeavors. Keeps stakeholders apprised of developments, including the SMA Director and the AD of Science & Technology.

Leads and participates in efforts to develop capabilities that extend the scientific reach of the SMA, including wide-field mapping surveys, VLBI observations, and other special observing modes.

Conducts a program of observational research in radio, millimeter, and submillimeter astronomy, leveraging CfA facilities such as the SMA. Prepares papers describing results of research and developments for publication in scientific or technical journals and for presentation at scientific or technical meetings or conferences and within the CfA.

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 observations 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.  

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