Summary This position serves as an Astronomical Observer supporting science and test operations of the Submillimeter Array (SMA). The incumbent operates complex submillimeter radio astronomy instrumentation during scheduled observing shifts; monitors antenna, receiver, correlator, and system performance; acquires and evaluates astronomical and engineering test data; and supports visiting and staff astronomers during scientific and technical observations. Duties
- Operate the SMA during scheduled science, handling telescope startup/shutdown, array setup, and program execution.
- Support the SMA scheduler by advising on observing strategies and providing technical guidance on system capabilities and operational constraints
- Strictly follow established safety protocols during telescope operations and maintenance to protect personnel, equipment, and observatory operations.
- Monitor telescope, instrumentation, and environmental performance in real time, including pointing and data quality, to promptly identify, troubleshoot, and resolve anomalies
- Monitor system status continuously,document operational issues thoroughly, and perform routine maintenance activities such as log verification and system checks.
- Participate actively in the analysis and interpretation of test data, which may include the precise integration of pointing data acquired from optical and radio observations and from tilt meters into a global model of antenna performance.
- Assist visiting and staff astronomers with astronomical observations and evaluate scientific data, including detailed data analysis with astronomical image processing software such as CASA, MIRIAD, or IDL.
- Participate actively in the modification or development of observational and data reduction software.
- Modify existing code under supervision to effectively automate repetitive tasks, optimize data processing, or improve overall workflow efficiency.
- Maintain highly organized directories, detailed metadata, and comprehensive documentation for ensuring scientific reproducibility.
- Prepare clear, concise summaries of observational results and complex dataprocessing steps for team review.
- Present informative short briefings on assigned tasks during regular team meetings
- Collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, and senior astronomers to support and advance mission objectives.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the Basic Education Requirement and the Specialized Experience Requirement described below by the closing date of this announcement.
Basic Education Requirement:
(GS-1330 Astronomy and Space Science Series)
Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics. The course work must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.
OR
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.
GS 07 Specialized Experience:
You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes activities such as operating a telescope at a world class or university observatory, leading or assisting with astronomical or physics research, or writing or modifying computer software either professionally or as part of class work.
OR
Education
One full year of graduate-level education in astronomy, physics, astrophysics, or a closely related physical science may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) may also be used to qualify. SAA is based on a bachelor’s degree with one of the following:
A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last two years of study;
A GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for courses in the major field of study or those completed in the last two years of study;
Rank in the upper one-third of the graduating class; or
Membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
OR
Combination
Education and experience may be combined to meet qualification requirements. For a full explanation of this option, please see the Qualification Standards.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or have education completed at a foreign college or university, you must provide transcripts and documentation verifying U.S. equivalency. See the Required Documents section of this announcement for additional information.
Grade point averages should be rounded to one decimal point. For example, 2.95 is rounded to 3.0 and 2.94 is rounded to 2.9. If more than 10 percent of undergraduate coursework was completed on a pass/fail basis, qualification under Superior Academic Achievement must be based on class standing or honor society membership.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work performed through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Volunteer experience helps build critical competencies and may be credited if directly related to the duties of this position.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be prorated to determine creditable experience. Applicants should clearly indicate the number of hours worked per week. Education Please see Qualifications Section for Education Requirement.
Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must successfully complete a background investigation.
- Selectee may be required to serve a probationary period.
- This position supports astronomical observing operations and requires participation in a rotating work schedule that includes evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.
- Work is performed at a remote observatory site.
- Work is conducted in low-light environments and may involve extended computer use, outdoor exposure to weather conditions, and occasional lifting or handling of scientific equipment.
- Passing a high altitude physical examination.
• Frequent trips will be necessary to the SMA telescope on Maunakea at 4075 m (13375 ft) altitude, which experiences a broad range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and high winds. Travel to the telescope over the mountain access road can be hazardous. Some outdoor work is involved, for example to adjust systems in the antenna cabins.
The SMA facilities include laboratory and industrial settings that require cognizance and observance of documented precautions regarding heavy equipment, cutting and welding operations, high voltage, chemicals, LN2 or other cryogens, and other potentially hazardous conditions, materials, or practices. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when required.
How you will be evaluated Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described below. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
• Knowledge of radio or submillimeter telescope operations sufficient to operate the SMA under established procedures and guidance
• Skill in monitoring system performance to recognize normal conditions and report abnormalities
• Knowledge of basic professional astronomy principles, theories, and practices sufficient to perform routine observational tasks and apply standard analytical techniques
• Knowledge of astronomical data analysis software sufficient to assist with routine data tasks
• Ability to organize and communicate technical information in logs, reports, and meetings
Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be placed into one of three quality categories based on their responses to the job-related assessment and the extent to which their experience demonstrates the competencies required for the position:
Best Category – 95–100 Better Category – 85–94.99 Good Category – 70–84.99
This category rating process does not add veterans’ preference points or apply the rule of three but protects the rights of veterans by placing preference eligibles ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.
Applicants who do not submit a resume in USAJOBS and complete all required assessment questions will not be considered.
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire for consistency. If a determination is made that your self-assessment is not supported by your resume, your rating may be adjusted to reflect documented experience. Your resume should clearly describe how your education and experience relate to the duties and qualification requirements of this position.
You may preview questions for this vacancy. How to apply Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:
- You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
- Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages.
- You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process.
- The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
- If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
Other information
Current or Former Political Appointees: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Office of Human Resources. Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
- Position title;
- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
- Agency; and,
- Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
An employee selected at GS-7 may be eligible for noncompetitive promotion to GS-9 and subsequently GS-11 upon meeting the applicable qualification, time-in-grade, and performance requirements, subject to supervisory recommendation and approval. Promotion is not automatic.