Hybrid Astrophysicist (IS-1330-12) en Smithsonian Institution

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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 position of Astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is described in this document. The employee works under the direction of a senior staff member and will participate in a program of research on astrophysics with emphasis on the study of galaxy groups and clusters, their central active galaxies, and the large-scale radio structures associated with them. These investigations will include observational studies across a range of wavebands including the X-ray and radio, and potentially also the millimeter-wave, optical and infrared.

1.     Design, develop, and carry out a program of independent research aimed at understanding the astrophysical properties of galaxy groups and clusters, and their associated active galaxies, radio halos and relics.

2.     Prepare observing programs that will address specific scientific problems; reduce and analyze the resulting data; interpret the results in the context of existing theories and models galaxies, galaxy clusters and groups.

3.     Develop and interpret data reduction and analysis of observations from satellite and ground-based experiments, especially in the context of the hot and relativistic plasmas found in galaxy groups and clusters.

4.     Work with scientists to prepare collaborative observing programs involving X-ray astrophysics missions such as Chandra, XMM-Newton, and XRISM, Arcus, and radio observatories such as the JVLA, uGMRT, LOFAR and MeerKAT. Assist in the preparation of proposals for new instrumentation and analysis of existing data sets.

5.     Prepare and submit proposals for studies using various space-based facilities and for interpreting data from them.

6.     Prepare papers for scientific publication and present scientific results at meetings and conferences. Attend meetings and conferences to exchange data and ideas with other scientists.

7.     Perform other related duties as requested.

 A) Degree in one of a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science or electronics, including course work in differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy 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 in A above.

In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below:

Grade 12

A. Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree

 or

B. A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation, which should demonstrate:  the ability to carry out a program of independent research into the astrophysical properties of galaxy groups and clusters, place the results of this research in its proper theoretical context, and successfully disseminate this work via journal articles and presentations.

or
 
C. A combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

·         Thorough knowledge of the technical methods, principles and practices of the field of radio astronomy, particularly broad-band continuum analysis and HI line analysis

·         Knowledge of the technical methods, principles and practices of the field of X-ray astronomy, particularly the analysis of Chandra and XMM-Newton observations of galaxy clusters.

·         Ability to utilize computer technology in the solution of scientific problems. 

·         Ability to perform scientific research as may be evidenced by receipt of a Ph.D.

·         Ability to work effectively as part of a research group or scientific team.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

 

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

  

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Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

 

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

 

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/