Space Science Lead & Senior Physical Scientist

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NASA invites applications across its centers and disciplines for positions in the aerospace technology and science programs. Roles span multiple series (GS-1301, 1310, 1330) at GS-11 through GS-15, with duties emphasizing technical leadership, research, and programmatic guidance.

Selected candidates will engage in high-level analyses, mentorship, and cross-agency collaboration, contributing to mission-critical projects and organizational capability development.

Qualifications

• One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 level.
• Complete doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field
• Complete 3 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field
• Equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as described above

Responsibilities

• Directs technical or scientific efforts across organizational boundaries and provides authoritative guidance to senior officials on highly complex scientific matters.
• Conducts and oversees advanced technical or scientific research, experiments, analysis, design, test, and evaluation; applies expert judgment to resolve complex problems and recommends optimal solutions.
• Advises executive leadership and program managers on complex technical or scientific matters; represents the organization in high-level forums and reviews.
• Develops or approves scientific techniques, standards, processes, procedures, and requirements documents at the program level; authors technical reports and assessments for senior leadership.
• Provides technical mentorship and discipline leadership across experience levels; serves as a functional area expert supporting long-term technical capability.
• Represents the organization in technical exchanges with contractors and partner agencies; leads formal reviews and integrated product teams.
• Performs supervisory duties including assigning and evaluating work; recommending personnel actions; and identifying training needs.

Skills

Scientific analysis

Technical reporting

Judgment under supervision

Education

Doctoral degree in a relevant field

Three graduate years of study

Equivalent combination of experience and graduate study

Job description

NASA invites applications across its centers and disciplines for positions in the aerospace technology and science programs. Roles span multiple series (GS-1301, 1310, 1330) at GS-11 through GS-15, with duties emphasizing technical leadership, research, and programmatic guidance.

Selected candidates will engage in high-level analyses, mentorship, and cross-agency collaboration, contributing to mission-critical projects and organizational capability development.