Program Manager, Giant Magellan Telescope; GMT
Listed on 2026-05-02
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Research/Development
Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Overview
Final date to receive applications: 8 May 2026
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Location: Cambridge, MA
Compensation: $142,452 - $185,193 / year
Description: OPENING DATE:
April 8, 2026
CLOSING DATE:
May 8, 2026
SERIES/GRADE: PROGRAM MANAGER IS-340-14
TYPE OF POSITION:
Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION:
Central Engineering
LOCATION:
Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION:
This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident, approved asylee, or refugee) or a national of a country eligible to be approved for an export license who is eligible to work in the US.
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.
- This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident, approved asylee, or refugee) or a national of a country eligible for an export license who is eligible to work in the US.
Overview
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 purpose of the position is to provide overall program direction and technical leadership to the development of the GMT-Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF), and potentially to both other instrumentation projects for the next generation Giant Magellan Telescope, and/or to the development of new or upgraded scientific instruments for astronomical and astrophysical data collection for existing ground-based telescopes.
Major Duties
- Facilitates the day to day management of complex scientific instrumentation projects. Supports the Principal Investigator (PI) in the development of project plans, budgets, schedules, resource allocation, work statements, and work breakdown structures. Works with the PI and…
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