TITLE: Radio Astronomer, Grade 12; $57,709 to $75,025*/yr
TYPE OF POSITION: Federal Career Conditional
DIVISION: - Radio and Geoastronomy Division, Submillimeter Array Project
LOCATION: Hilo/Mauna Kea, HI

*Plus Cost of Living Allowance currently at 17% and 8% Hazard Pay differential.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Applications will be accepted from US Citizens, from current and former competitive service Federal employees, and people eligible under special hiring authorities. Non-status candidates and preference eligible veterans will be considered under external procedures. Status candidates will be considered under internal procedures. Two applications must be filed by status candidates and eligible veterans if consideration is desired for both external and internal procedures.

Special Conditions of Employment: Selectee will be required to pass a physical examination to determine ability to perform work at high altitude prior to employment. First forty work schedule is required.

DUTIES: Incumbent will participate in the testing, calibration and astronomical research on the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Submillimeter Array (SMA). The SMA is the world’s first submillimeter interferometer, is located at high altitude (13,200 feet, near the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii) and is designed for observations in the major atmospheric windows from 180 GHz to 900 GHz. SAO and ASIAA are currently adding receivers to include the 320 – 420 GHz frequency range, which will enable dual-polarized 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. The main responsibility of this position is to help plan, implement and participate in a detailed program of ongoing testing, further commissioning, and utilization of the SMA. This will involve testing that is designed to determine the operational characteristics and performance, and uncover and remedy problems with the array. Duties also include; observing regularly with the SMA; reducing, analyzing and interpreting data, such as pointing data, baseline data, and astronomical data; developing software and procedures as required; presenting conclusions and interpretation of data with recommendations for remedial action, and implementing follow-up observations and studies to verify results; supporting students, post-doctoral researchers and technical staff involved in the ongoing development and use of the SMA. In addition, the incumbent will also conduct astronomical research, by identifying, defining and selecting specific areas of interest and identifying the most fruitful path for investigations; by acquiring and analyzing appropriate data, interpreting them with physical models and preparing results for publication in scientific and technical journals and presenting scientific results at meetings of a scientific nature. Finally, the incumbent will also participate in the educational and outreach activities of the SMA.

QUALIFICATIONS : Basic Experience: This position requires either A) 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 and/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 as in A above. You MUST provide a transcript or school documentation (i.e., advising report, unofficial transcript, etc.) from an accredited U.S. college or university that shows Degree received/Date conferred, courses completed, grades received and total credit hours completed.

Specialized Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the grade 11 level. Specialized experience is experience working on operating radio astronomical equipment. In addition, advanced knowledge of physics and/or astronomy as evidenced by a Ph.D. degree in a relevant area or by comparable professional experience is required.

Quality Ranking Factors: On a separate sheet of paper, submit a paragraph describing specific experience, education, or training for each of the factors listed. Candidates who have the specialized experience as outlined above will be further evaluated according to the degree to which they possess the following:

a. Demonstrated experience and a strong understanding of interferometers with “hands –on” experience related to instrumental effects on array performance. This experience may have been gained through at least two year’s postdoctoral research involving interferometry at an instrumental level.
b. Knowledge and experience in advanced aperture synthesis techniques and spectroscopy;
c. Demonstrated experience in using modern computer techniques for acquisition analysis and interpretation of radio astronomical imaging observations, including the use of software such as IDL, MIR, AIPS and MIRIAD.
d. Ability to communicate effectively and to work independently and as an integral member of a diverse team of scientists, engineers and technical staff;
e. Experience with and skill in the preparation of scientific papers for publication;
f. Experience with and skill in the presentation of scientific results to scientific meetings and seminars.

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 will also be evaluated to determine the degree to which you possess the quality ranking factors. Quality ranking factors are used to determine the highest qualified candidates among those eligible to compete for the position. Therefore, 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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested candidates should submit a resume, curriculum vitae, bibliography and transcripts and arrange for three professional reference letters to be sent to Recruiter #456 at the address below or to saoresumes@cfa.harvard.edu. Job finalists will be asked to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine their suitability for Federal employment. 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. Interested candidates should submit the materials specified above to Recruiter #456 at the address below. We cannot accept application materials mailed in government franked envelopes. Materials must be received by August 30, 2008. Applications should reference Job Posting #28-23. Please provide your full legal name, mailing address with zip code, day and evening telephone numbers, and Social Security Number. The Smithsonian does not require a standard application form, but we need certain information to evaluate your qualifications.

SAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis

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 and may be faxed to 617-495-7263, please ensure the vacancy announcement number is included.

NOTE: All Smithsonian Institution positions require background checks, including fingerprinting. New employees are required to serve a one-year probationary period. A recruitment bonus may be paid. Relocation costs will not be paid.

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

Visit our SAO website. or http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/hr/postings/

Mailing address:
Recruiter 456 (JP#28-23)
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
60 Garden Street, MS 17
Cambridge, MA 02138