OPENING DATE: 09/29/2026
CLOSING DATE: 10/05/2026
SERIES/GRADE: IS-1330-07
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Temporary Not to Exceed 11 Months (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division
LOCATION: Amado, AZ
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
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.
INTRODUCTION
The 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.
SUMMARY
The position serves as an Astronomical Observer supporting science and test operations of the VERITAS array of gamma-ray telescopes. The incumbent operates gamma-ray telescopes and associated instrumentation during scheduled observing shifts; monitors telescope, instrument, and environmental performance; acquires and evaluates astronomical imaging data; and supports visiting and staff astronomers during scientific and engineering observations. The position also contributes to the development, refinement, and improvement of observing procedures, operational documentation, and data acquisition and reduction workflows.
- Operates VERITAS gamma-ray telescopes during scheduled science and test observing shifts from on-site or remote-control rooms including telescope startup and shutdown, instrument configuration, target acquisition, and execution of observing programs in accordance with approved observing plans.
- Implements observing scripts, calibrations, and system checks; ensures data quality and instrument readiness; and monitors environmental and system conditions to maintain safe and optimal operations.
- Acquires, processes, and evaluates gamma-ray astronomical data, including performing calibrations (e.g., mirror-alignment, pointing monitor, PSF, T-point, reflectivity, flat field, bias curves), assessing data quality, and conducting / monitoring preliminary data reduction and analysis to determine data completeness, integrity, and scientific usability.
- Contributes to the development, testing, and improvement of telescope operations by participating in the refinement of observing procedures, operational documentation, instrumentation workflows, data reduction pipelines, and software tools supporting gamma-ray observations.
- Participates in professional development, coordination, and communication activities, including preparing observing logs and technical reports, participating in meetings, and supporting training or outreach activities.
- Assists in maintaining scientific databases, ensuring data integrity, updating metadata, and performing routine validation checks.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
- Duties listed are at a Full Performance Level IS-07
Basic Requirements: Applicants must meet the Basic Education Requirement and the specialized experience requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement
Basic Education Requirement (IS-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.
Specialized Experience:
You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the IS-05 level. 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: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/astronomy-and-space-science-series-1330/
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.
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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
- Knowledge of astronomy, physics, and mathematics sufficient to perform developmental scientific tasks.
- Skill in monitoring system performance to recognize normal conditions and report abnormalities.
- Ability to organize and communicate technical information in logs and reports.
- Ability to apply standard data-reduction methods and follow established scientific procedures.
- Skill in using scientific software and programming tools at an introductory level.
- Professional knowledge of astronomy, physics, mathematics, and related scientific principles sufficient to perform structured assignments; apply standard observational and analytical techniques; follow established scientific protocols; and use basic astronomical software tools.
- Ability to read and interpret scientific instructions, apply standard methods, and recognize deviations in data or procedures.
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."
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
[email protected]. 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.
