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• 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.
• Lead the development of new or improved Pressure sensitive Paint (PSP) formulations for measurement of global surface pressures for the measurement of aerodynamic phenomena (such as forces and moments, lift and drag, etc.).
• Lead the development of new or improved Temperature Sensitive Paint (TSP) formulations for measurement of global surface temperatures for determination of flow transition locations, heat flux measurements, and other aerothermal properties.
• Assist in the collection and analysis of PSP/TSP experiments, including equipment setup, applying coatings to surfaces, collecting/analyzing data, and assisting in the development of new data acquisition and analysis methods for both PSP and TSP.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other researchers to advance the state-of-the-art in PSP and TSP, including, but not limited to, overseeing NASA funded grants and contracts, and assisting with the development and planning of internal programs.
• Lead the development of inorganic and organic polymer-based chemistries for the development of coatings for use in future projects. This will include maintaining chemistry capabilities as well as fulfilling current and identifying future needs.
• Lead a continuing effort to formulate long-range ideas and plans as well as secure funding for future research endeavors through a variety of sources, including new and existing NASA programs and projects as well as external funding.
• Foster a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence and innovation. Champion NASA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility to create an environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Conditions of employment

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Position subject to pre-employment background security investigation.
• You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• If selected, you will be required to complete a financial disclosure statement.
• This position may require a one-year trial period.

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.

Vacant research positions may be filled at one of several grade levels depending upon the scientific impact of the person selected. A review may be required to determine the appropriate grade level of the position and supplemental materials may be required from the selectee. Please keep this in mind when indicating the lowest grade you will accept. If selected at the lower grade level, the scientific impact of the incumbent will be examined in addition to other factors, to determine if the person is eligible for promotion.

To qualify for GS-12, you must have:
a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level:

• Developing and implementing chemical synthesis procedures for inorganic and organic polymers, as well as using available analytical techniques to evaluate the polymers (such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy or Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy);
• Developing and applying Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP) and Temperature Sensitive Paint (TSP) coatings;
• Developing chemical sensors and evaluating them using various spectroscopic methods.

OR
b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field.

To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:

• Formulating, synthesizing, and implementing novel fluorescence-based coatings (like Pressure Sensitive Paint and Temperature Sensitive Paint) for implementation in wind tunnel facilities and flight testing;
• Formulating, designing, and implementing organic and inorganic polymer coatings incorporating novel nanomaterials for improved characteristics (such as strength);
• Implementing data acquisition and analysis methods for the collection of measurement data from fluorescence-based sensing coatings in ground test facilities.

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.

Required college majors for applicants qualifying on the basis of graduate education only (GS-12 only):
Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Astronautics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Structural Engineering, Welding Engineering.
Other majors will qualify if the major includes or is supplemented as follows: Ceramics or Ceramics Engineering (with 12 semester hours in refractory ceramics, cermets or protective coatings); Civil Engineering, Computer Science, or Geology (with 12 semester hours in strength of materials, structures, thermodynamics, and/or basic static and dynamics); Metallurgy or Metallurgical Engineering (with 12 semester hours in physical or adaptive metallurgy, high temperature metals and alloys, cermets); Mathematics or Nuclear Engineering (with nine semester hours in physics, structures, materials or other appropriate courses). Other appropriate physical science or engineering fields may qualify with appropriate supplemental courses.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and veterans' preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Veterans: Under the provisions of Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply. However, applicants who are eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). For more information please see: Veterans' Preference information on the FedsHireVets website.

You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

You will be assessed on the following competencies:

• Chemistry/Chemical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Research
• Written Communication

NASA considers paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.