Astrophysicist (Post Doctoral Research Fellow), IS-1330-11

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This is the position of Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The purpose of this position is to support the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) as a member of the TESS Science Office at SAO, with a focus on the work of the TESS Follow-up Observing Program Working Group (TFOPWG) in confirming and characterizing transiting planet candidates identified by the mission, in particular by employing seeing-limited photometry to observe TESS Objects of Interest (TOIs). The incumbent will also formulate and conduct an original program of independent astronomical research, with an emphasis on studies of exoplanets

Requirements

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.
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.
Master's or equivalent graduate degree
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 modeling photometric and radial velocity transiting exoplanet data using tools such as EXOFAST, writing contributions to scientific journal papers using tools such as Overleaf, experience conducting ground-based transit observations using robotic telescopes, experience extracting lightcurve data from a time-series of images using data reduction tools such as AstroImageJ, a demonstrated proficiency in interpreting ground-based lightcurves that are contaminated with typical ground-based systemics, a working knowledge of the technical methods and practices of the field of exoplanets, and a working knowledge of the python scripting language.
Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
Knowledge of the technical methods, principles, and practices of the field of stellar astronomy and astrophysics of exoplanets as evidenced by a Ph.D. degree involving research in fields related to these topics.
Knowledge of astronomical photometry, and skill in observations of stellar light curves with CCD cameras, including reducing and analyzing photometric data with tools such as AstroImageJ.
Knowledge of the published literature on the astronomical and astrophysical characteristics of transiting planets and the stars they orbit.
Ability to work effectively as part of a research group or scientific team. Ability to perform independent scientific investigations.
Skill in leading the preparation of scientific papers for publication and the presentation of scientific results at seminars and meetings.
Ability to develop and utilize appropriate computer codes and data analysis procedures for application to the research areas described above.
Ability to prepare reports of findings and to communicate these results both orally and in writing.
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.

Responsibilities

Participate in the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)--a NASA Explorer Class mission--as a member of the TESS Science Office at SAO, with a focus on the work of the TESS Follow-up Observing Program Working Group (TFOPWG) in confirming and characterizing transiting planet candidates identified by the mission, especially on the work of Sub Group 1 (SG1) that uses seeing-limited photometry to observe TESS Objects of Interest (TOIs).
Review photometric data submitted by the members of SG1, an international team of more than 400 observers. Confirm that the observations have been reduced correctly and prepare reports that update the dispositions and priorities of the TOIs and are suitable for general distribution. Update the requests for the next desired type of photometric follow-up, updating the ephemerides as needed. Provide feedback to observers as needed. Enter updated information into the SG1 Observation Coordinator Sheet as needed.
Schedule observations of TOIs with Facilities such as KeplerCam on SAO’s 1.2-m telescope at the Whipple Observatory and the network of telescopes operated by the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope (LCOGT). Analyze the photometric data with tools such as AstroImageJ and upload the results to ExoFOP-TESS.
Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which engaged, including preparing papers for publication in scientific journals, and preparing and presenting findings at scientific meetings as required. Help manage SG1 contributions to papers. Work with authors of papers to identify light curves available for analysis and contribute
Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities, formulate and conduct original programs of independent astronomical research, with an emphasis on studies of exoplanets.
Perform other related duties as required.