Posting 24-35
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
INTRODUCTION:
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY:
The Astronomer will participate in the processing of observational data submitted to the Minor Planet Center, and participate in research involving orbits, orbital elements, the orbit determination of minor planets and other activities related to the functioning of the Minor Planet Center.
This is a career ladder position with promotion potential to grade 12. If selection is made at the grade 11 level the selectee may be non-competitively promoted to the next higher level up to the grade 12 upon recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, qualifications of the employee and recommendation of the Professional Accomplishments Evaluation Committee. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date.
MAJOR DUTIES:
- Function as part of a team in the processing of orbital elements and related information received by the Minor Planet Center. This includes checking data for both reliability and relevance, consulting with the contributors when appropriate.
- Function as part of a team to use existing procedures for making more sophisticated identifications of newly reported objects with minor planets observed only very perfunctorily in the past, so that new objects can as a result be considered known and their orbits added to the main database.
- Function as part of a team to design and develop modifications to current techniques for the determination of orbits from observations.
- Function as part of a team to discover and correct errors in the MPC’s orbital and observational databases.
- Function as part of a team to apply new procedures for determining the orbits of minor planets.
- Assist in the preparation of reports on activities by the Minor Planet Center and on related activities by the national and international community.
- Assist in the preparation of papers on such analyses and related topics for publication in scientific journals and presentation at scientific meetings.
Grade 12
In addition to the duties for the grade 11, the grade 12 Astronomer will:
- Lead efforts to design and develop modifications to current techniques for the determination of orbits from observations.
- Lead efforts to discover and correct errors in the MPC’s orbital and observational databases.
- Lead efforts to apply new procedures for determining the orbits of minor planets.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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 (a) using orbit-fitting packages for the purpose of fitting orbits of moving solar system objects, or (b) writing sql queries to extract data from databases. or
C. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
Grade 12
A. Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please use the following link to visit Smithsonian's Career Page: Smithsonian Institution Job Opportunities Site
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
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
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.