Physical Scientist, AST, Life Support Studies

Ames Research Center•Moffett Field, CA

20h

About The Position

Serve as an AST Life Support Studies senior scientist within the Space Biosciences Division. Lead deep-space exploration research, direct multidisciplinary bioscience teams, and translate research findings into mission capabilities. Provide scientific authority for mission development, data analysis, and astronaut health, supporting NASA objectives through advanced biological investigations and strategic leadership. The position directs complex scientific investigations in space biosciences and deep-space exploration, establishes research objectives and technical approaches, and provides scientific leadership for mission planning, design, development, and execution. It oversees integration and interpretation of multi-omics, physiological, and imaging data from spaceflight and analog environments, and translates findings into recommendations for exploration risks, countermeasures, life-support systems, planetary protection, and future human and robotic missions.

Requirements

One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level to qualify for GS-15.
Experience directing independent, multidisciplinary research in space biosciences, including investigations of biological responses to microgravity, partial gravity, space radiation, isolation, altered environmental conditions, or other spaceflight stressors.
Experience applying advanced biological, physiological, cellular, molecular, or organismal methods to complex exploration challenges.
Experience directing the design, execution, and scientific evaluation of complex spaceflight, ground-based, or analog biological investigations, including developing objectives, protocols, payload or instrumentation requirements, controls, sample collection and preservation strategies, and analytical approaches.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and partnerships; integrating and interpreting complex biological datasets; translating findings into recommendations for life-support and bioregenerative systems, planetary protection, mission design, or other national space-exploration priorities; and communicating authoritative scientific advice to senior leadership.
Meet applicable qualifications, time-in-grade, and 90-days-after-competitive-appointment requirements by the announcement closing date.
Meet the basic education requirement: a qualifying bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life science, or another field of science; or a qualifying computer science degree with specified coursework. A qualifying graduate degree or exceptional relevant experience or an education-and-experience combination may also be considered under the stated conditions.
Engineering degrees earned in the United States must be from a college or university with at least one ABET-accredited engineering program. Foreign engineering or science degrees must meet the stated recognition or equivalency requirements.
Submit a resume with a clear, detailed narrative in the applicant's own words describing how the specialized experience requirements are met.

Responsibilities

Direct complex scientific investigations in space biosciences and deep-space exploration, setting research objectives, priorities, methods, and technical approaches for exploration missions and programs.
Provide scientific leadership for deep-space mission planning, design, development, and execution; define science objectives, instrument requirements, mission concepts, data strategies, and success criteria.
Direct integration and interpretation of multi-omics, physiological, and imaging data from spaceflight and analogs using advanced computational methods to identify biological mechanisms, risks, and countermeasures.
Direct collaborative research with scientists, engineers, government partners, and external partners; set scientific priorities and resolve complex biological and experimental challenges.
Evaluate research findings and translate them into implications for biological impacts and countermeasures, planetary protection, closed-loop life support, bioregenerative systems, and long-duration human exploration missions.
Provide authoritative scientific recommendations on research priorities, technology development, investments, and biological risks affecting future human and robotic exploration missions and program decisions.