Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Description

OPEN DATE: July 24, 2025

CLOSING DATE: August 1, 2025

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive Low Risk

Open to all qualified applicants

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 (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 

 

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• 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

This position serves the Smithsonian Institution, Undersecretary for Science and Research, National Air and Space Museum, Research Collections and Curatorial Affairs Department, Center for Earth and Planetary Studies. The National Air and Space Museum (NASM) collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits objects and materials related to the history, culture and science of aviation, spaceflight and the study of the universe. NASM's Research Collections and Curatorial Affairs Department includes the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS), which undertakes scientific research in the fields of terrestrial and planetary geology and geophysics. This position contributes to the CEPS research function and performs the following duties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Physical Sciences 40%

 

· Works independently to prepare datasets, collect measurements, test hypotheses, and contribute written or graphical material for scientific investigations of Earth and planetary datasets.

· Coordinates the work of other professionals, facilitates research, and provides detailed assessments and analysis of Earth and planetary datasets.

· Utilizes various tools and instruments to conduct preliminary analysis of Earth and planetary datasets, where the results are incorporated into larger and more in-depth studies.

· Conducts observations and analyzes data to determine information regarding planetary surfaces, interiors, or analogs.

· Is adept in the application of scientific principles to the study of geology, physics, or another related discipline, sufficient to conduct independent research and multifaceted investigations, validate or invalidate data, devise appropriate hypothesis tests, and provide reports that articulate findings to professional personnel and other key stakeholders as designated.

 

Data Collection and Analysis 30%

 

· Applies innovative hypothesis testing techniques to complex scientific problems requiring multiple phases of analysis and the careful interpretation of results. Findings can lead to establishing new testing parameters and strategies to reach definitive conclusions.

· Ensures that scientific equipment is functioning properly prior to use, calibrates equipment as requested to ensure the most optimal results.

· Records, organizes, and documents results. Disseminates results for analysis and review by professionals and organizes feedback into consolidated preliminary reports, presentations, or briefing documents.

· Collects and analyzes data and independently conducts and supports original scientific analyses on the geology and geophysics of the Earth and other solid bodies in the solar system.

 

Research and Administrative Support 30%

 

· Supports the acquisition of supplies and tracks expenses, encumbrances, and inventory of research equipment for compliance with tracking of financial resources associated with grant funding.

· Assists staff in the technical, logistical, and travel planning to perform official work, meet research grant and contract requirements, or conduct field studies.

· Collects research data in paper or electronic formats, generates complex data products, and archives materials.

· Produces text, graphics, and visualizations for use in hypothesis formulation and testing, journal articles, grant proposals, and NASM exhibitions and public outreach programs.

 

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience: : To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited four-year college or university and either a master’s degree or 2 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge required for this position is as follows:

 

· Comprehensive knowledge in the physical sciences sufficient to independently conduct hypothesis tests, data analysis, documentation, and reporting on findings in scientific publications or reports.

· Knowledge in the application of research techniques to test hypotheses and generate various results and data products for further study.

· Skill in the use of research equipment to collect and analyze Earth and planetary datasets.

· Skill in the application of physical science concepts, techniques, and methodologies organizing information for scientific analysis and interpretation.

· Ability to conduct preliminary assessments and analysis of Earth and planetary datasets prior to formal studies conducted by professionals.

· Ability to maintain and prepare equipment for use by professionals conducting analysis of Earth and planetary datasets.

· Ability to support general administrative tasks related to supporting professional personnel in CEPS.

 

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 NASM-HR@si.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 Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer . To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following:

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Work experience placement, Relocation, Flexible hours,

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