Physical Science Technician

Physical Science Technician (IS-1311-08)

Final date to receive applications: 16 October 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $63,291 - $82,275 / year

OPENING DATE:
September 17, 2026
CLOSING DATE:
October 16, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION:
Trust Fund Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION:
Atomic and Molecular Physics Division

LOCATION:

Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION:
This position is open to all eligible candidates.
Two vacancies may be filled from this announcement. 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 and 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 The Physical Science Tech is responsible for supporting the operations of the Tropospheric Emissions:
Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) project. This includes supporting observational command development in Linux, testing and validating observing commands and writing and maintaining documents in support of the TEMPO project. The employee reports to the Data Manager and works closely with the TEMPO Operations team and other members of the team of scientists and programmers participating in the TEMPO project

• Support TEMPO observations by generating, testing and validating observing commands
• P…