Astronomer

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.

Major duties

• 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.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the Basic Education Requirement and/or the specialized experience requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. Basic Education Requirement (GS-1330 Astronomy and Space Science Series) 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 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. GS 07 Specialized Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes activities such as operating a telescope at a world class or university observatory, leading or assisting with astronomical or physics research, or writing or modifying computer software either professionally or as part of class work. OR Education One full year of graduate-level education in astronomy, physics, astrophysics, or a closely related physical science may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) may also be used to qualify. SAA is based on a bachelor's degree with one of the following: A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last two years of study; A GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for courses in the major field of study or those completed in the last two years of study; Rank in the upper one-third of the graduating class; or Membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. OR Combination Education and experience may be combined to meet qualification requirements. For a full explanation of this option, please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or have education completed at a foreign college or university, you must provide transcripts and documentation verifying U.S. equivalency. See the Required Documents section of this announcement for additional information. Grade point averages should be rounded to one decimal point. For example, 2.95 is rounded to 3.0 and 2.94 is rounded to 2.9. If more than 10 percent of undergraduate coursework was completed on a pass/fail basis, qualification under Superior Academic Achievement must be based on class standing or honor society membership. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work performed through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Volunteer experience helps build critical competencies and may be credited if directly related to the duties of this position. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be prorated to determine creditable experience. Applicants should clearly indicate the number of hours worked per week.