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

Physical Scientist, AST, Science Program Management (Direct Hire)
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Langley Research Center
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Summary
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Duties
Requirements
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Summary

As a Science Manager, you will manage space science mission solicitations aligned with strategic goals and federal requirements, conduct advanced planning and process improvement, and chair scientific and/or technical, management, and cost reviews. You will oversee contracts or grants, cost and schedule, quality, and transition to implementation. You will ensure unbiased, conflict-free proposal evaluations, build partnerships, brief leaders, analyze complex data, and provide expert guidance.

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U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
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Duties

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.
Requirements

Conditions of employment
This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
This position may require a one-year probationary/trial period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. **See Additional Information section**
You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance. Investigation/Clearance may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
Financial Disclosure, Drug Testing, and/or the Travel Requirements for this position may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
Qualifications

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, proce