Astronomer

About the role

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.

What you will do

• 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.

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.

Education

Please see Qualifications Section for Education Requirement.

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.

Documents you must provide

• Resume - Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder.
• Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), and hours worked per week, for each employment period.
• It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted.
• Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position.
• For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job?
• Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran.
• Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter.
• Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify.
• If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
• Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.

What to expect next

At the end of the application process you will be able to create and save a PDF file that contains your responses to the assessment questions. You may save this file as initial receipt of your application. After the job announcement closes, you will receive an email from the Smithsonian with confirmation of receipt.

The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process.

You may also check your application status by contacting the agency contact listed below. Additional Information: Tips on applying for Smithsonian jobs are available at *** The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer.

Additional information can be found on our website at (***).

Additional 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.