Physicist (Post Doctoral Research Fellow), IS-1310-11

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.

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. S.

is not required to apply.

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.

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.