Physicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow), IS-1310-11
Apply NowCompany: U.S Government
Location: Cambridge, MA 02139
Description:
Physicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow), IS-1310-11
Application Deadline: 29 March 2025
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Employment Type: Temporary
Location: Cambridge, MA
Reporting To: 25-68
Compensation: $83,742 - $108,859 / year
Description
OPENING DATE: 3/25/2025
CLOSING DATE: 3/29/2025
SERIES/GRADE: 1310/11
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund Temporary (Non-Federal), Not To Exceed Two Years, with a possibility of an extension for a third year.
DIVISION: Atomic Molecular Physics Division
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTIONThe 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.
SUMMARYThis is the position of Physicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Atomic and Molecular Physics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of this position is to train postdoctoral researchers to conceive, plan, and conduct highly specialized research in atmospheric chemistry and remote sensing. The incumbent will perform scholarly research and participate in making contributions to the fields of physical science.
MAJOR DUTIES
The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will perform research on atmospheric composition measurements using Earth satellite observations. The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will be part of a research group working to design, implement, and improve software for atmospheric measurements. The work will include advancing measurements from TEMPO, OMI and other low Earth satellite instruments and performing scientific research using those measurements.
1. Define scientific and system requirements to develop and evaluate advanced scientific and numerical algorithms. This will involve improving algorithms for the remote sensing of atmospheric constituents and obtaining necessary data to verify final products.
2. Participate in the definition and design of methodologies to obtain required results.
3. Assist other scientists and/or programmers in developing and applying software for satellite measurements of atmospheric composition.
4. Perform scientific studies involving atmospheric measurements, global/regional atmospheric modeling, and tropospheric chemistry.
5. Prepare refereed publications and present talks at professional meetings.
6. Perform other duties as may be required.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements:A. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics;
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.
Additional Requirements:
In addition to Basic Requirements above, you must have:
A) One year of specialized experience that is equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to grade 9 level.
Specialized experience would have included applying methods of theoretical and computational physics to research in physics, chemical physics, or related fields preparing publications, and presenting talks at professional meetings.
OR
Education for Grade 11: Master's or equivalent graduate degree
OR
Combinations of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
Ability to apply advanced numerical methods, including machine learning, to remote sensing of atmospheric.
Knowledge of Fortran 90/95, high-level language programming (Python, IDL, Matlab), experience working in Linux environments and SHELL scripting.
Experience with ground based remote sensing datasets suitable for satellite product performance evaluation.
Knowledge and skill in new scientific software development.
Knowledge of the principles and practices in the field of atmospheric science or related fields.
Knowledge of mathematics and physics of satellite and ground-based remote sensing observations.
Skill in oral and written communication as evidenced by refereed journal publications in atmospheric measurements and their applications and the ability to present findings in a publishable format.
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.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
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 hr@cfa.harvard.edu. 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. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. 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/
Application Deadline: 29 March 2025
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Employment Type: Temporary
Location: Cambridge, MA
Reporting To: 25-68
Compensation: $83,742 - $108,859 / year
Description
OPENING DATE: 3/25/2025
CLOSING DATE: 3/29/2025
SERIES/GRADE: 1310/11
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund Temporary (Non-Federal), Not To Exceed Two Years, with a possibility of an extension for a third year.
DIVISION: Atomic Molecular Physics Division
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- 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
INTRODUCTIONThe 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.
SUMMARYThis is the position of Physicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Atomic and Molecular Physics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of this position is to train postdoctoral researchers to conceive, plan, and conduct highly specialized research in atmospheric chemistry and remote sensing. The incumbent will perform scholarly research and participate in making contributions to the fields of physical science.
MAJOR DUTIES
The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will perform research on atmospheric composition measurements using Earth satellite observations. The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will be part of a research group working to design, implement, and improve software for atmospheric measurements. The work will include advancing measurements from TEMPO, OMI and other low Earth satellite instruments and performing scientific research using those measurements.
1. Define scientific and system requirements to develop and evaluate advanced scientific and numerical algorithms. This will involve improving algorithms for the remote sensing of atmospheric constituents and obtaining necessary data to verify final products.
2. Participate in the definition and design of methodologies to obtain required results.
3. Assist other scientists and/or programmers in developing and applying software for satellite measurements of atmospheric composition.
4. Perform scientific studies involving atmospheric measurements, global/regional atmospheric modeling, and tropospheric chemistry.
5. Prepare refereed publications and present talks at professional meetings.
6. Perform other duties as may be required.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements:A. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics;
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.
Additional Requirements:
In addition to Basic Requirements above, you must have:
A) One year of specialized experience that is equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to grade 9 level.
Specialized experience would have included applying methods of theoretical and computational physics to research in physics, chemical physics, or related fields preparing publications, and presenting talks at professional meetings.
OR
Education for Grade 11: Master's or equivalent graduate degree
OR
Combinations of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
Ability to apply advanced numerical methods, including machine learning, to remote sensing of atmospheric.
Knowledge of Fortran 90/95, high-level language programming (Python, IDL, Matlab), experience working in Linux environments and SHELL scripting.
Experience with ground based remote sensing datasets suitable for satellite product performance evaluation.
Knowledge and skill in new scientific software development.
Knowledge of the principles and practices in the field of atmospheric science or related fields.
Knowledge of mathematics and physics of satellite and ground-based remote sensing observations.
Skill in oral and written communication as evidenced by refereed journal publications in atmospheric measurements and their applications and the ability to present findings in a publishable format.
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.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
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 hr@cfa.harvard.edu. 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. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. 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/