Astrophysicist (IS-1330-12/13/14) - Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Description

• 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. 

OVERVIEW

MAJOR DUTIES

1. Participate in the design, development, and operation of space instruments for detecting and measuring thermal plasma and energetic particles. Take part in analyzing experimental data and interpreting experimental results.
2. Participate in laboratory experiments, simulations, and studies to evaluate the design, performance, and calibration of heliophysics instruments. Develop and write test procedures, test reports, and memoranda for dissemination throughout the instrument teams in order to ensure adequate documentation of the testing process.
3. Assist in maintaining data processing pipelines and high-level local archives of in situ data products from ongoing heliophysics missions.
4. Formulate and conduct independent research on the dynamics of the solar corona, the solar wind and energetic particle processes using both archival and proprietary data from space- and ground-based observations. Develop hypotheses, determine the most fruitful investigations, formulate research plans and observations, and analyze and interpret data.
5. Prepare papers presenting research results for publication in scientific journals and presentation at conferences. Participate in scientific meetings and conferences to discuss current research with other scientists. 
6. Perform other related duties as assigned.

1. Conduct a program of advanced studies in solar-stellar physics, capitalizing on SAO-led space- and ground-based experiments.
2. Formulate an independent research program of considerable scope and complexity in areas which are new and unexplored, by locating and exploring the most fruitful avenues of research to study. Formulate research plans and hypotheses and carry them through to completion by submitting proposals, developing models, reducing and analyzing data, interpreting findings (taking full responsibility for technical accuracy), determining the applicability of findings to activities and interests of the Division and the Observatory, and publishing the conclusions.  Apply findings in the preparation of and for such future programs.
3. Interact with members of the High Energy Solar-Stellar X-ray Group (SSXG) at SAO and other scientists and support staff for SSXG flight programs, to define and carry out scientific analyses, take part in data reduction and analysis, generate requirements and specifications for scientific programs, develop analysis plans, analyze and review scientific data and observations, and correct or enhance the data analysis system.
4. Work with scientists at SAO and at various institutions to coordinate activities in areas such as planning observing programs and carrying out observations at various wavelengths and particle energies.
5. Participate in the development of new instrumentation for use in ground-based and spacecraft observatories.
6. Participate in the development of analysis software for the relevant scientific studies; develop new analysis procedures for data from SSXG flight programs and other astronomical data sources; provide input and guidance to others on enhancements and features to include in the scientific data processing and data analysis activities.

1. Conceive of and develop new instrumentation for use in ground-based and spacecraft observatories.
2. Direct and manage research staff, pre- and post-doctoral researchers, engineers and other research participants as required. Organize, plan, and supervise the activities of said staff.  Assign personnel to projects, set priorities, establish deadlines, monitor progress, review work, recommend and/or take disciplinary action, give advice, counsel, or instruction to team members, determine training needs and arrange for training as appropriate, interview and hire new team members, approve leave.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Broad knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and physics, as would be evidenced by a PhD in Physics or Astronomy
• Broad knowledge of the field of space physics, as evidenced by publications which have answered questions in the field or have contributed to significant advances in knowledge
• Knowledge of the design principles, sources of error, and measurement and fabrication techniques associated with space-based instruments and experiments. Demonstrated capabilities in this area, particularly with space-based solar wind and energetic particle instruments, are highly desirable
• Knowledge of the operation of space-borne observatories and other satellite elements so that the employee can provide guidance towards optimizing an integrated instrument system
• Knowledge of the application of computer and analytic techniques to the solution of scientific problems