Physical Science Technician

Description:

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 Physical Science Tech is responsible for supporting the operations of the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) project. This includes supporting observational command development in Linux, testing and validating observing commands and writing and maintaining documents in support of the TEMPO project. The employee reports to the Data Manager and works closely with the TEMPO Operations team and other members of the team of scientists and programmers participating in the TEMPO project.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Develop, generate testing, and validate observing commands to support the TEMPO observations.
• Perform observation planning with the Science Data Processing Center (SDPC) and participate in observation planning meetings.
• Prepare, develop, verify, and validate instrument command loads.
• Monitor instrument health and safety, including long-term trending and performance monitoring. Monitor data for quality, recognizing problems, making recommendations, and taking immediate corrective action.
• Work with the science team for special instrument activities and calibration operations.
• Play a lead role with the scientists in verification of the processed data, generating reports, analyze problems and communicate solutions to the team.
• Play a lead role in composing IOC and SDPC operational documentation.