OPENING DATE: May 21, 2026
CLOSING DATE: June 19, 2026
SERIES/GRADE: IS-1310-11
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust (Non-Federal) Temporary, not to exceed two years, with the possibility of a third year extension
DIVISION: Atomic Molecular Physics Division
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
2 positions will be filled through this posting.
This position is eligible for visa sponsorship.
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.
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 Physicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Atomic and Molecular Physics Division. The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will perform research on atmospheric composition measurements using Earth satellite observations. The incumbent is part of a research group working to design, implement, and improve software for atmospheric measurements and instrument calibration. The work will include advancing measurements from TEMPO and performing scientific research using those measurements.
1. Conduct a program of research and scholarship in the area of atmospheric composition remote sensing under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator.
2. Define scientific and system requirements to develop and evaluate advanced scientific and numerical algorithms. This will involve improving algorithms for the remote sensing of atmospheric constituents and instrument calibration, obtaining necessary data to verify final products.
3. Participate in the definition and design of methodologies to obtain required results.
4. Assist other scientists and/or programmers in developing and applying software for satellite measurements of atmospheric composition.
5. Perform scientific studies involving atmospheric measurements, global/regional atmospheric modeling, tropospheric chemistry, and TEMPO instrument performance.
6. Prepare refereed publications and present talks at professional meetings.
7. Perform other duties as may be required.
Basic Requirements:
A. Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics. The course work must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Additional Requirements:
In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must also possess one of the following:
A. Master's or equivalent graduate degree;
OR
B. Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as such as demonstrated proficiency in in the development of satellite retrievals of atmospheric constituents, in-orbit satellite instrument characterization, or atmospheric chemistry and air quality studies using space-based observations
Or
C. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
Knowledge in advanced numerical methods to remote sensing of atmosphere and remote sensing instruments calibration.
Knowledge of Fortran 90/95, high-level language programming (Python, IDL, Matlab), experience working in Linux environments and SHELL scripting.
Knowledge of ground based remote sensing datasets suitable for satellite product performance evaluation.
Knowledge of new scientific software development method and practices.
Knowledge of the principles and practices in the field of atmospheric science or related fields.
Knowledge of mathematics and physics of satellite and ground-based remote sensing observations.
Skill in oral and written communication in atmospheric measurements and their applications and the ability to present findings in a publishable format
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
