Physical Scientist, AST, Science Program Management (Direct Hire)

Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.

Support and lead the formulation of future spaceflight science mission solicitations (e.g., Announcements of Opportunity) aligned with strategic science goals (astrophysics, heliophysics, earth and planetary sciences) and federal regulations.

Lead advanced planning and analytical studies to develop interdisciplinary opportunities and initiate process improvements. Ensure that all solicitations, technical details, and evaluation plans incorporate best practices and lessons learned.

Organize and chair formal scientific reviews, independent study teams, and Technical, Management, and Cost (TMC) proposal review panels. Coordinate scientific, engineering and management disciplines to ensure quality space mission assessments.

Perform comprehensive management functions spanning planning, design, test and evaluation, cost analyses, and quality management. Ensure a smooth transition to project implementation and support overall line-management processes.

Plan, schedule and monitor contracted work, academic grants, and internal technical operations. Ensure quality instrument and mission proposal evaluations free of Conflict of Interest (COI) or biases, and consistent with solicitation rules.

Organize research collaborations and technical forums involving contractors, academia, partner agencies, etc. Disseminate research findings, organize open meetings/websites, present to executive leadership (e.g., NASA HQ), and debrief proposers.

Initiate and lead investigative group studies. Apply advanced scientific and geospatial techniques to interpret complex observational data, derive defensible science conclusions, or assess mission schedule, cost, and management.

Serve as a recognized authority in the physical sciences, providing scientific and technical guidance across experience levels. Collaborate closely with cross-functional team members to deliver efficient work products and develop shared tools.

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.

To qualify for the GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level: Supporting the analysis of internal and external customer requirements for spaceflight science programs and instrumentation and presenting needed changes, activities, or scientific research results to upper management; Providing technical input into the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and operational schedules for evaluating space science missions and/or synthesizing scientific research results; Supporting management and direction or coordination of multidisciplinary team efforts including monitoring contractors, for a significant end product or a subject matter of complex scope, such as an assessment of spaceflight mission systems or development of advanced instrumentation.

To qualify for the GS-15, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level: Analyzing internal and external customer requirements for spaceflight science programs to identify and recommend changes related to program management, systems engineering, instrumentation, or integration; Providing scientific and/or technical direction in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and operational schedules for evaluating space science missions and/or synthesizing scientific research results; Managing and directing or coordinating multidisciplinary team efforts including monitoring contractors, for a significant end product or a subject matter entity of complex scope, such as an assessment of spaceflight mission systems or development of advanced instrumentation.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.