TITLE: Astrophysicist, GS-1330, Grade 15, $95,390 to $124,010/year*
TYPE OF POSITION: Federal Career Conditional/Career Appointment
DIVISION: - Radio and Geoastronomy Division, Submillimeter Array Project
LOCATION: Hilo, HI

*Plus Cost of Living Allowance currently at 17% and 8% Hazard Pay Differential
SPECIAL CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Selectee will be required to pass a physical examination to determine ability to perform work at high altitude prior to employment.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Applications will be accepted from US Citizens and Non-Citizens as allowed by appropriations and statute.

INTRODUCTION: We are seeking an outstanding Astrophysicist for the position of SMA Director of Operations (Hilo). The Submillimeter Array (SMA) is a collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Academia Sinica Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA) of Taiwan. It is the world’s first submillimeter interferometer and is designed for observations in the major atmospheric windows from 180GHz to 900GHz. SAO and ASIAA are currently adding receivers to include the 320 – 420 GHz frequency range, which will enable dual-polarization operation near 350 GHz. Developments underway include a doubling of the array bandwidth for single-receiver operation; upgrades to 650 GHz receiver sensitivity; extension of current polarimetry capabilities and the addition of a second set of 650 GHz receivers for dual polarized operation across this band. Looking forward, the SMA group is extremely interested in improving the sensitivity of the SMA at all wavelengths and assessing scientific opportunities enabled by enhancements to the SMA such as extending interferometric observations down to 200 microns.

DUTIES:
Duties include but are not limited to directing the operations of the SMA; safely and efficiently maintaining the SMA in accordance with the annual operating plan; interfacing with the University of Hawaii staff and staff at other Mauna Kea based observatories, especially the JCMT and CSO to enable efficient operation of the SMA; participating with the Director of the SMA and other senior scientists in the evaluation and formulation of SMA policy over a wide range of topics; supervising the staffing including developing performance plans and appraising performance of employees; and ensuring proper staff management, development, advancement and recognition that inspires commitment and productivity. In addition the incumbent is expected to carry out a program of astronomical research which includes formulating plans and programs that will advance the knowledge of observational astronomy and the capabilities of the SMA in particular; directing, advising, encouraging and stimulating scientific and/or technical research and development activities of members of the observatory’s research staff; keeping abreast of new developments in the submillimeter; suggesting new avenues of investigation and new methods and techniques; enlisting support from other institutions in collaborative efforts; formulating and conducting original and independent astronomical research; preparing and submitting proposals for the conduct of scientific research to the SMA and other instruments in support of submillimeter science; serving as a scientific and/or technical advisor to the research community and to major projects for which expertise is relevant; serving on committees for the purpose of planning activities, reviewing plans and proposals, functioning as an advisory resource and helping establish future directions for the field; serving as a speaker, panelist, conference leader or committee chairperson at national and international conferences; preparing scientific and/or technical papers presenting results of investigations for publication in international journals and presenting at meeting and conferences; encouraging students, post doctoral fellows and other scientists to work in the field and stimulating their research.

QUALIFICATIONS : Basic qualifications can be found at https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-IV/A/GS-PROF.asp and https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-IV/B/GS1300/1330.HTM. In addition, candidates must possess one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the grade 14 level.
Specialized experience is defined as experience in the operation of state-of-the-art astronomical instrumentation and the scholarly competence necessary to formulate, conduct, and present the results of programs of advanced research; running a state of the art radio observatory or managing a staff of scientific, technical and professional employees; serving as an invited guest speaker at international conferences or meetings; evidence of publication in scientific journals, and a record of significant contributions to millimeter or submillimeter astronomy as well as experience in the area of aperture synthesis and spectroscopy.

Eligible candidates will be rated on their knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:

a. Mastery of the concepts, principles and practices of astronomy, astrophysics or physics as evidenced by an advanced degree in astrophysics, physics, or engineering and/or comparable experience.

b. Extensive knowledge of millimeter or submillimeter wavelength radio astronomy.

c. Ability to successfully function with others in a research group, and to provide leadership to such groups, including supervising and consulting with scientists, technical staff and students.

d. Extensive experience providing guidance, leadership, direction and oversight to staff.

e. Ability to lead, manage and administer scientific research programs.

f. Ability to prepare and oversee budgets and develop short and long term plans;

g. Knowledge of state of the art astronomical instrumentation.

h. A high degree of imagination, judgment, initiative and scholarly competence necessary to formulate, conduct and present the results of programs of advanced research.

BASIS OF RATING: Clearly describe in your resume or application your work experience, education and/or training as it relates to this vacancy. The information you provide will be evaluated to determine whether you meet the specialized experience requirement and are therefore qualified for this position. It is to your benefit to fully describe your experience and education/training relative to the job requirements of this vacancy. Your application may not receive proper consideration if you do not provide adequate information.

NOTE: All new employees are subject to background checks, including fingerprinting. New employees are subject to a one-year probationary period. SAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process is required, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The selectee will be required to file a confidential Statement of Employment and Financial Interests annually.

VETERANS: Applicants claiming entitlement to veteran’s preference must include a copy of their DD214. Applicants claiming entitlement to 10-point veterans’ preference must also submit an SF-15 form with the required documentary proof. A copy of DD 214 or other official documentation is required by the closing date of the announcement and may be faxed to 617-495-7263, please ensure the vacancy announcement number is included on the documents.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested candidates should submit to Recruiter #456 at the address below or to saoresumes@cfa.harvard.edu. a curriculum vita and bibliography, statement of interest, experience statement regarding the knowledge, skills and abilities identified and three professional letters of recommendation. Application packages should contain the announcement number, full legal name, mailing address with zip code, day and evening telephone numbers, and Social Security Number. Current Federal employees should submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, Standard Form 50 and information concerning any awards they received during their service, if possible. We cannot accept application materials mailed in government franked envelopes. Applications must be received by July 30, 2008. Please be sure to reference Job Posting #28-19. In addition, job finalists will be asked to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine their suitability for Federal employment.

Please complete the Applicant Survey Form, which is used to collect information from candidates during the search process to evaluate the effectiveness of the Institution's search and recruit efforts. Please print all responses. The information provided is not a part of the selection process and will be used for statistical purposes only. Your voluntary responses will have no effect on your consideration.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Federal Government are both EEO/Affirmative Action Employers

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Mailing address:
Recruiter 456 (JP#28-19)
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
60 Garden Street, MS 17
Cambridge, MA 02138