PDF versionJob Summary
The Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD), Space Life and Physical Sciences Research and Applications (SLPSRA) Division seeks a highly skilled individual to serve as the Program Scientist for Space Biology, an Aerospace Technologist (AST) position. Responsibilities include providing expert scientific leadership for the formulation and execution of all aspects of this program (www.nasa.gov/spacebio) and representing this program to external organizations.
Major Duties
- Serves as agency scientific expert, overseeing the research portfolio and capabilities of the Space Biology Research Program.
- Works with the Space Biology Program Manager to establish and set the organizational strategic direction, goals, priorities, structure, processes and culture for Space Biology.
- Maintains the scientific integrity of the program. Leads the development and maintenance of research and technology plan(s).
- Crafts the research solicitation strategy including cognizance of the state of the science as well as forecasting future scientific need.
- Leads the formulation and execution of NASA Research Announcements to solicit research and technology development in fulfillment of the program's plans.
- Oversees the peer review of all proposals and formulates a response based on final reviews. Makes selection recommendations based on scientific merit and program alignment.
- Monitors progress on approved tasks and evaluates scientific readiness for flight and ground experiments as well as working real time issues that could negatively affect scientific outcomes for the research portfolio.
- Works closely with the Program Manager to ensure that all program scientific or technology development requirements are consistent with the program schedule, budget, and risk management guidelines.
- Serves as a recognized technical authority to NASA scientists and engineers and consults on the most challenging problems in space life science research and engineering systems development.
- Provides authoritative and comprehensive advice, assistance and oversight to NASA Centers and program and project offices to ensure the program is implemented at the NASA Centers in an integrated manner.
- Advocates for Space Biology science and develops collaborations with organizations outside of SLPSRA. Participates in domestic and international scientific conferences and symposia as the senior program science representative.
- Maintains personal contacts with individuals in the scientific community in order to coordinate events and exchange ideas and research developments. Serves as a point of contact for the extramural scientific community.
- Coordinates activities with NASA organizations, other government agencies, and professional organizations. Provides co-funding for research that is of mutual interest and benefit to each organization.
Qualifications
In addition to the Basic Education Requirement, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-14), which has equipped you with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position described above.To qualify for the GS-15:One year of specialized experience is defined as experience in biological sciences and familiarity with sound science management practices in order to critically review and evaluate complex scientific, implementation and programmatic questions and issues; experience in establishing and executing a research and/or technology development plan for a portfolio of research and/or technology development projects in the biological sciences.The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience as a) a Principal Investigator leading an academic or government research group with funding won through peer-reviewed, competitive solicitations, b) as a NASA Project Scientist or Mission Scientist facilitating the success of Principal Investigator-led investigations and c) as a manager of a government research program that solicits and awards grants through a peer-reviewed, competitive solicitation process.
Pay Range
$126,810.00 - $164,858.00