Astrophysicist

Astrophysicist, (IS-1330-14)

Final date to receive applications: 31 August 2026

Department:
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type:

Full Time

Location:

Cambridge, MA

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

OPENING DATE:
August 26, 2026

CLOSING DATE:
August 31, 2026

TYPE OF POSITION:
Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)

DIVISION:
Radio and Gastronomy Division

LOCATION:

Cambridge, MA

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:
This position is open to all current SAO employees.

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).

• 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.

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.

This is the position of Astrophysicist, Radio and Gastronomy Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), Cambridge, MA. The position is charged with technical and scientific responsibility for formulating and conducting developmental research in radio astronomy, exceptionally long baseline interferometry, and the astrophysics of supermassive black holes. The work will include the development of advanced radio telescopes; the proposing, planning, and designing of observing programs;

the analysis and interpretation of observational radio data; and the publication of significant scientific results.

• Formulate and conduct unique and original programs of independent astrophysical research, especially in the areas of radio astronomy, with an emphasis on exceptionally long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations and the astrophysics of supermassive black holes (SMBHs). Conceive, plan, and conduct observations, and develop techniques for data reduction and analysis. Participate with other Division scientists in the conception, development, and application of advanced VLBI arrays, technology, and associated algorithms and methodologies, particularly in high-frequency VLBI.
  
  The primary focus will be on the EHT/ngEHT projects, but duties will include investigation of new opportunities as they arise. Lead and participate in the development of astrophysical software for the simulation, calibration, analysis, and interpretation of radio interferometric data. Maintain software in publicly available repositories.
• Prepare papers describing research results for publication in scientific or technical journals and presentation at scientific or technical meetings, conferences, and within the CfA. Attend professional meetings for the purpose of presenting new results and participating in the discussion of related efforts by other scientists. Referee papers submitted to scientific journals. Supervise and mentor, as appropriate, research interns,…