Application Deadline: 10 October 2024

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Amado, AZ

Reporting To: Public Affairs Officer, FLWO

Compensation: $88,525 - $115,079 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: October 3, 2024

CLOSING DATE: October 10, 2024

TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)

DIVISION: Fred L Whipple Observatory (FLWO)/Optical Infrared Division

LOCATION: Amado, AZ

Position is remote- and telework-eligible

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.

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.

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 incumbent will report to the FLWO Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and be responsible for a variety of written SAO Education and Public Outreach efforts including communicating scientific and technical concepts to public audiences by planning, researching, and writing content for articles, exhibits, brochures, scripts, and web sites; developing non-media/non-press content for multimedia programs based on growing EPO information and digital asset collections; participating in the editorial and selection process for all science-based public content; and providing day to day support to EPO group operations.

MAJOR DUTIES

Develops, writes, and edits products for a variety of media that articulate, interpret, and explain SAO’s overall scientific mission, specific research, public outreach, and science education projects to a variety of audiences including other scientists, educators, and the general public. Assignments will include: writing content for external newsletters; developing content for brochures and reports describing Observatory telescopes and new instrumentation; developing content for event advertising; developing content for materials (books, brochures, etc.) for the FLWO Science Center, tours programs and other public outreach uses at CfA and SAO as required; responding to requests from Smithsonian leadership and other internal sources for information about SAO’s activities.
Executes science reporting including writing feature articles, science articles, and other content for use in education and public outreach. Interprets complex scientific and technical information to ensure that it is presented in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience and for consistency in representing SAO. Conducts research on relevant subject matter including interviewing and/or observing subject matter experts, and researching journals, on-line sources, and other substantive source material. Participates in planning sessions to determine the optimal approach to presenting and distributing technical and scientific material.
Contributes to SAO’s Scientists Teaching Astronomy in Rural Schools (STARS) project by developing materials for education and public outreach. Also develops content for other Observatory education/outreach efforts as requested.
Supports scientific investigators in developing and writing EPO sections of proposals to potential sponsors such as the NSF, NASA, and/or private foundations. Provides editorial support to other aspects of scientific or instrumentation proposals as requested.
Researches and writes articles for the Conversation and similar print or digital publications and supports staff scientists in preparing articles for similar outreach purposes.
Prepares articles, brochures and/or book content for significant events including the Chandra mission’s 25th and the Smithsonian Institution’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Assists in the development of scripts for EPO educational videos, podcasts, and phone apps, etc.
Oversees the work of short-form writers as needed.

Qualification Requirements

Basic Requirements: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 11 level in similar positions.

Additional Requirements: Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities (listed below) to successfully perform the work of the position. Examples include drawing on a substantial knowledge of astronomy or related physical science, write or edit technical materials, such as reports of research findings; scientific or technical articles, news releases, and periodicals; regulations in technical areas; technical manuals, specifications, brochures, and pamphlets; or speeches or scripts on scientific or technical subjects.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required:

Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade (11) level in similar positions.

Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities (listed below) to successfully perform the work of the position. Examples include drawing on a substantial knowledge of astronomy or related physical science, write or edit technical materials, such as reports of research findings; scientific or technical articles, news releases, and periodicals; regulations in technical areas; technical manuals, specifications, brochures, and pamphlets; or speeches or scripts on scientific or technical subjects.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required:

Broad knowledge of astronomy or a related physical science sufficient to comprehend and interpret complex scientific concepts to develop and present materials describing the scientific mission and projects of the Observatory to a broad range of audiences.
Extensive knowledge of technical writing and editing principles, techniques, and research methods.
Knowledge of desktop publishing and print publication creation programs and techniques in order to draft, edit, layout, design, print and distribute a variety of educational and public outreach materials.
Skill in writing and editing specialized scientific and technical documents.
Skill in developing and synthesizing final copy based on materials prepared by others.
Ability to translate scientific/technical material into educational content for students and lay audiences.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with management, technical, and administrative staff, and others to establish effective working relationships.

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.

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. 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.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS FOR UNIT]. 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 Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/

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