Physicist/ Engineer

Submillimeter Array (SMA)

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Physicist/ Engineer, GS-14/15, $99,347 - $149,000 

Applications are invited for a highly qualified physicist or engineer to join the Submillimeter Array (SMA) at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA.  The successful candidate will lead an effort to implement receiver control hardware and software algorithms to better enable remote operations of the array; will lead the production, testing, installation, and commissioning of receiver instrumentation for the SMA; will coordinate and further develop a test program to verify instrument performance and readiness and will participate in ongoing and future receiver developments.  The incumbent will be expected to help identify, define, and select specific areas of opportunity to guide ongoing development of the SMA.  In addition, the incumbent will be expected to provide guidance and assistance to the research activities of work performed by students and technical personnel supporting the development of instrumentation and subsystems for the array; serve on a variety of internal committees, and prepare results of research and developments for publication in scientific and technical journals. 

Requirements: 

* Broad advanced knowledge of physics and astronomy as might be evidenced by a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or electrical engineering, plus substantial related or comparable professional experience. 

* Knowledge of submillimeter receiver technology, superconducting mixers, heterodyne receiver systems, and spectroscopy.

* Advanced skill in real time control software and hands-on experience at developing and fielding sophisticated millimeter or submillimeter receiver systems for astronomical observation. 

For complete application procedures regarding this position, please visit (JP 28-20) at : http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/hr/postings/.   

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, and encourages women and minorities to apply.  This is a federal career conditional position with a full benefits package.  All applications must be received by July 30, 2008.  

Employer Information:

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), a member of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics is a research facility of the Smithsonian Institution, located in Cambridge, MA.  SAO is part of what is arguably the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world.  SAO astronomers and astrophysicists conduct basic scientific research relying on observations from ground-based or space-based telescopes, theoretical studies, and/or related laboratory support research.  It has pioneered the development of orbiting observatories and large ground-based telescopes, the application of computers to astrophysical problems, and the integration of laboratory measurements, theoretical astrophysics, and observations across the electromagnetic spectrum.