Job Information
Headquarters, NASA Senior Scientist for Mars Exploration in United States
Summary The Senior Scientist for Mars Exploration reports directly to the Planetary Science Division (PSD) Director on all matters pertaining to the science of Mars and Mars Exploration. The incumbent provides recommendations, advice, and consultation on all science-related aspects of NASA's Mars Exploration Program (MEP) and Mars Sample Return Campaign. Recommends the scientific strategy for the exploration of Mars and ensures the implementation of the science content of the program is optimized. Responsibilities The Senior Scientist for Mars Exploration: Serves as a senior science advisor to the Associate Administrator (AA) for Science Mission Directorate (SMD) on all matters concerning the scientific content and strategy for Mars exploration. This includes recommending scientific strategy for the exploration of Mars and ensuring the implementation of the science content of the program is optimized. Provides recommendations, advice, and consultation on all science-related aspects of NASA's Mars Exploration Program (MEP) and the Mars Sample Return Campaign to the Planetary Science Director, the Mars Program Director, and the Mars Sample Return Program Director. Represents SMD in all areas relating to scientific exploration of Mars. Supports the SMD management team in the presentation and coordination of the science aspects of Mars Exploration to NASA top management, the Office of Management and Budget, the Congress, and other agencies and organizations, as appropriate. Coordinates scientific research program content and priorities with SMD Technology Program representatives and other SMD management officials to ensure the most efficient use of resources in achieving SMD goals, and serves as point of contact for announcement and peer reviews. Represents science interests associated with Mars explorations related project and assessments. Serves as principal SMD science representative for Mars exploration to the scientific community through advisory committees and other groups such as the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. Coordinates and collaborates with the science community in decision-making impacting the science of the Mars samples and keep the worldwide science community and stakeholders informed on planning for Mars exploration efforts. Assesses and coordinates the following activities: scientific inputs to lead development of the Mars science strategy consistent with scientific priorities established by SMD senior management officials; the science drivers for the development and implementation of a Mars instrument technology design and development program to meet the needs of future Mars exploration space science missions; and scientific inputs for broad agency announcements for Mars exploration, including inter-agency and internationally supported opportunities. Organizes and oversees a broad program of research and analysis required to provide the basis for an effective space science program focused on the study of the planet Mars. This includes coordinating activities with the Planetary Protection Officer to enhance the scientific basis for planetary protection requirements relevant to Mars missions. Fosters and continually drives a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence, and innovation within and outside of the organization and NASA. Champions the Agency's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and creates an environment and culture that promotes and enables the Agency's commitment to safety, inclusion, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Candidates must be a recognized subject matter expert with at least 1 year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-15 level managing activities (science mission and/or research) related to exploration of the planet Mars, including having a track record of publishing research papers related to Mars. Candidates must have nationally/internationally recognized experience in coordinating and collaborating across an expansive network of colleagues/stakeholders in the Mars and planetary science communities as well as complex external organizations regarding science missions and/or research programs for Mars exploration efforts. 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. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you MUST address each Senior Level (SL) Evaluation Criteria separately not to exceed a total of ten (10) pages. If you fail to do so, your application will be rated ineligible. Please cite experience directly related to the specialized experience requirements (outlined above) when addressing the SL evaluation criteria #2 (Technical Excellence and Contributions) and SL evaluation criteria #5 (Corporate Cooperation and Technical Leadership Skills). For the full definition of the SL Evaluation Criteria and Process please click here. Please include your full name on all documents submitted. SL EVALUATION CRITERIA: 1. Education Level and Training 2. Technical Excellence and Contributions a. Experience/Accomplishments b. Technical and Strategic Problem Solving c. Information Transfer 3. Awards and Recognition 4. Outside Professional Activities 5. Corporate Cooperation and Technical Leadership Skills Education This position has a positive education requirement. To be eligible, you must clearly state in your resume the following: degree, major and/or minor, and college/university. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or other field of science. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a credential evaluation service that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here. Additional Information This position is concurrently advertised on USAJOBS and open to the public via announcement HQ-24-SL-12406570, and one selection will be made. Only Federal civil service (career or career conditional appointments) or NASA terms employees with conversion eligibility will be considered for this announcement. All other interested applicants should apply to announcement HQ-24-SL-12406570. This position is full-time remote and the duties can be performed from anywhere. The candidate's duty station location will be determined after selection