Astrophysicist

Final date to receive applications: 28 August 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $142,452 - $185,193 / year

OPENING DATE:
August 24, 2026

CLOSING DATE:
August 28, 2026

TYPE OF POSITION:
Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)

DIVISION:
High Energy Astrophysics Division

LOCATION:
Cambridge, MA

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:
Current Smithsonian Institution employees.

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, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), 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

This is the position of Astrophysicist in the High Energy Astrophysics Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

Undertake a broadly responsible position in the Mission Planning group including the support of planning activities, contribution to new initiatives to improve planning and scheduling, and supervision of some members of the group as required. Propose and conduct specific investigations of science planning activities and procedures, including solutions to unanticipated spacecraft or instrument events. Conduct and oversee the analysis for these studies, develop computer algorithms as necessary and supervise their implementation, testing, and documentation.

Interpret the results of these investigations, doing theoretical calculations when appropriate. Work actively to exchange ideas with other groups and institutions involved in similar activities.

Advise with day‑to‑day activities of the Mission Planning Group by work on technical issues pertaining to long‑term and short‑term schedules, representing Mission Planning in technical meetings, supporting technical review of Chandra proposals and observing plans, giving advice to group members on…