Astrophysicist

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, September 14, 2018
Archive Date: 
Friday, October 12, 2018
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Science Management
Institution Classification/Type: 
Government Agency
Institution/Company: 
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Department Name: 
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Street Line 1: 
205 Main Street #514
City: 
Cambridge
State/Province: 
MA
Zip/Postal: 
02138
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Astrophysicist

Trust Fund (Non-Federal), Indefinite

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) invites applications for the position of
Astrophysicist to support NASA’s Universe of Learning (UoL) Collaborative Agreement which
develops informal education programs to increase STEM learning, science capacity and
science literacy among school-age children, the general public, and informal education
providers. The primary responsibilities of the candidate will be to support all aspects of the
Universe of Learning program as implemented through SAO. SAO is a Co-I team member of
the UoL collaborative with the Space Science Telescope Institute (STScI), Sonoma State
University, JPL and IPAC. SAO team members include the National Science Olympiad, the
SAO Science Education Division, and Framingham State University/ Christa Corrigan
McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning.
The primary work will include collaborating with members of the UoL team as well as the CXC
Education and Public Outreach (EPO) staff, and the broader astrophysics and informal
education communities to identify, plan and carry out informal education programs that include
science results from Chandra and other NASA astrophysics missions in order to increase
science literacy and meet UoL program goals. The position is located in the Chandra X-ray
Center (CXC) and also carries a science research component.
We solicit applications from scientists with a strong background in X-ray astronomy and an
interest in multi-wavelength astronomy. A key aspect of the UoL collaboration is that individual
mission science results must be placed in the broader context of NASA’s astrophysics program
which covers all wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. We seek a candidate with
experience in developing and/or providing educational activities and programs as well as a
strong interest and capability in scientific research and publication.
The position requires demonstrated experience in developing and providing informal
astronomy education programs, that is, not taking place in a formal education classroom
setting. Volunteer experience with amateur astronomy groups, university outreach, afterschool
programs and museums is relevant. A thorough knowledge of astronomy, physics, or
astrophysics, and demonstrated experience working with X-ray astronomy data, is required.
We offer an invigorating environment working in partnership with the Chandra X-ray Center
EPO and scientific staffs.
Duties Include:
1. Function as the UoL’s primary scientific conduit of Chandra/X-ray results. Plan, direct,
and execute X-ray and high energy astrophysics contributions to UoL multi-wavelength

programs, activities and products.
2. Work with relevant CXC (EPO and science) staff and UoL staff from other institutions to
incorporate Chandra/X-ray materials into final UoL products.
3. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the Chandra
program and broader Chandra scientific community so as to be able to draw on and
involve a wide range of subject matter experts (SMEs) when needed for UoL products
and activities
4. Participate in/deliver UoL workshops, briefings, education activities.
5. Represent Chandra and SAO UoL team at UoL events, national conferences.
6. Conduct research with X-ray satellite observatories and with other space- and ground-
based facilities. Formulate an independent X-ray astrophysical research program that
includes submitting proposals, developing models, reducing and analyzing data,
interpreting findings, publishing the conclusions and participating in scientific meetings
and conferences.

About the Company:
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of the largest and most diverse
astrophysical institution in the world, where the staff carries out a broad program of
research in astronomy, astrophysics and earth and space sciences. If you would like to
join this exciting organization, apply today!

We will only accept applications on line for this position. Qualified applicants will be
requested to submit three letters of recommendation. To view the complete vacancy
announcement and online application procedures, please visit
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/510004800


First consideration to be made 14 days after the opening date

Application Deadline: 
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Selection Deadline: 
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Human Resources