Astronomer.

Responsibilities

• 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 data processing 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.
• 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.

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 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.

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