Astrophysicist

JOB TITLE: Astrophysicist - Research Part Time and Full Time Opportunities Available STATUS: This position supports a Proposal with a targeted award date of June 01, 2025. LOCATION: Washington, DC CLEARANCE: Varies depending on position. US Citizenship required coupled with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Tier 3 (Secret) clearance. Some positions will require the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Tier 5 (Top Secret) clearance. All positions will require finger printing, background investigations, and the possibility of additional security requirements. EDUCATION: Scientific Research Associate: Bachelor's degree in relevant field. Master's degrees and PhDs in relevant field with no experience also qualify. Postdoctoral Research Associate I: PhD in any field with no experience in relevant field, or Master's degree in relevant field with at least 3 years of experience. For Master's level relevant work performed during completion of degree can count as experience. Associate Professor: PhD degree in astronomy, physics, geodesy, computer science, mathematics, or similar field and at least 2 years of experience. Full Professor: Contractor with PhD degree in astronomy, geodesy, computer science, mathematics, or similar field and at least 4 years of experience. JOB DESCRIPTION: Provide short-term technical (part-time and full-time) support, research analysis, and related support for Government operations and research and development activities at the United States Naval Observatory. There are three areas of focus:
• Astronomy: provides observation, theory or instrumentation associated with observing and characterizing celestial objects such as active galactic nuclei, quasars and stars. Astronomers may overlap heavily with aerospace engineers when it comes to the mechanics of celestial bodies. Data analysis and research may include data from the Very Long Baseline Array or Interferometer (VLBA or VLBI), optical, infrared, ultraviolet, or X-ray regions of the spectrum. Astronomers can also have specializations in one of the three physical sciences: biology, chemistry and physics, including but not limited to astrobiology, astrochemistry and astrophysics.
• Atomic Clock and/or Particle Physics: provides technical knowledge and services related to the next generation atomic clock development.
• Electrical and/or Mechanical Optics Engineering: provides technical knowledge and services related to the study of mechanical, electrical, and optical systems as they apply to the physical sciences. TASKING:
• Provide support for technical and analytical support in the disciplines of physics, astronomy, astrophysics, aerospace, instrumentation, electrical engineering, and/or computer sciences. General tasks may include:
• Design and/or perform research or in the areas of physics, astronomy, astrophysics, or engineering, especially as it applies to Very Long Baseline Interferometry, black hole or stellar astronomy, timing and astronomy instrumentation, and clock development.
• Collect, develop, and analyze scientific data from specific instruments. Lead calibration and observational testing of astronomy and/or physics instrumentation.
• Design and/or develop specialized aerospace, astronomical on physics instrumentation.
• Perform literature searches, retrievals, and reviews; compile and catalog scientific texts, journals and background material; write and/or edit technical documents; and/or prepare summaries and bibliographies.
• Review, analyze and document specific operational procedures; and/or perform feasibility studies.
• Construct and test mathematical models.
• Assist in the design, development and maintenance of the Internet and Intranet web sites.
• Design, exercise and/or test models utilizing simulation, emulation, mathematical and statistical analyses techniques.
• Design, develop, test computer software, models, architecture, or graphics and/or develop computer libraries and databases.
• Lend expertise, assistance, consultation, and/or coordination services for research activities.
• Other tasks as assigned. Bluemont Technology & Research, Inc. (Bluemont) offers a premium benefits package. Our culture is based on treating people like you would treat yourself. The company is focused on challenging applications of cutting-edge technologies and data intensive applications. Bluemont maintains a drug-free workplace and performs background checks. Bluemont is an E-Verify Employer. Follow this link to view: