Duties

The purpose of the position is two-fold: (1) to provide technical support for the operation of the Chandra Data Archive; and (2) provide computer-related support of X-ray astronomy operations and research with the Observatory, including coding, modifying, testing, and maintaining software for archive operations; developing and maintaining documentation; and drafting and maintaining materials for websites.

5 Performs other related duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties above duties at the grade 11 may include but are not limited to:

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must participate in direct deposit/electronic funds for salary payment
• Pre- and post-appointment background investigation is required.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period

Basic Requirements:

A. 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

B. 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.

In addition to the basic requirements, candidates for the grade 09 must also possess one of the following:

2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree

or 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as experience in the operations of an astronomical mission or astronomical data archive.

or Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.

In addition to the basic requirements, candidates for the grade 11 must also possess one of the following:

3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or

1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as experience in the operations of an astronomical mission and astronomical data archive, and the analysis of astronomical data.

or Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, commuter benefits, health/life insurance, and accidental insurance.
  Please see Benefits at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/ for a complete description.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  Your application package must include the following documents:

  Detailed resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  School transcripts or degree certificate
  Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable
  Summary of research interests (1-2 pages)
  Names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• 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.
  • Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
  • Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
  • 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.

  Agency contact information

  Mary Hebert

  Phone

  617-496-7816

  Fax

  617-495-7263

  Email

  mhebert@cfa.harvard.edu

  Address

  SMITHSONIAN
  Human Resources
  60 Garden Street
  Mail Stop 17
  Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
  United States

  Next steps

  You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. Selection to be made at the grade 09 or grade 11. If selected at the grade 09 the applicant maybe non competitively promoted to the higher grade level up to the grade 11 level upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.