The Chemistry and Dynamics Branch within the Science Directorate (SD), is seeking an individual to serve as a Research Physical Scientist. Responsibilities may include the following: Conducting research that utilizes both in-situ and remote-sensing observations for tropospheric and stratospheric aerosols; supports development of an in-situ measurement capability for stratospheric aerosol observations from airborne and/or balloon-based platforms, with requirements driven by applications such as satellite validation, retrieval development, and scientific investigation, and; supports the development, operation, data reduction, and validation of aerosol measurements in the upper troposphere and stratosphere from in-situ and/or on-orbit instrumentation, along with analyses and/or modeling that would allow results of different aerosol measurements to be compared or combined synergistically to derive information about aerosol physical properties that cannot be inferred from only one measurement system.
This position may be filled at either the GS-12 or GS-13 levels. You may receive a non-competitive promotion(s) to the full performance level of GS-14, when eligible and recommended by management. Identification of promotion potential in this position does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher level duties.
Deliberate attempts to falsify your resume, such as, copying portions of this job announcement into your resume, may result in you being removed from consideration for this position.
To receive consideration, you must submit a resume and answer NASA-specific questions. The NASA questions appear after you submit your resume and are transferred to the NASA web site. If you successfully apply, USAJOBS will show your application status as 'Received'. If your status is 'Application Status Not Available', you have not successfully applied. Do not rely on a USAJOBS email to confirm successful application. Only an email from NASA confirms a successful application
Summary
The Chemistry and Dynamics Branch within the Science Directorate (SD), is seeking an individual to serve as a Research Physical Scientist. Responsibilities may include the following: Conducting research that utilizes both in-situ and remote-sensing observations for tropospheric and stratospheric aerosols; supports development of an in-situ measurement capability for stratospheric aerosol observations from airborne and/or balloon-based platforms, with requirements driven by applications such as satellite validation, retrieval development, and scientific investigation, and; supports the development, operation, data reduction, and validation of aerosol measurements in the upper troposphere and stratosphere from in-situ and/or on-orbit instrumentation, along with analyses and/or modeling that would allow results of different aerosol measurements to be compared or combined synergistically to derive information about aerosol physical properties that cannot be inferred from only one measurement system.
This position may be filled at either the GS-12 or GS-13 levels. You may receive a non-competitive promotion(s) to the full performance level of GS-14, when eligible and recommended by management. Identification of promotion potential in this position does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher level duties.
Deliberate attempts to falsify your resume, such as, copying portions of this job announcement into your resume, may result in you being removed from consideration for this position.
To receive consideration, you must submit a resume and answer NASA-specific questions. The NASA questions appear after you submit your resume and are transferred to the NASA web site. If you successfully apply, USAJOBS will show your application status as 'Received'. If your status is 'Application Status Not Available', you have not successfully applied. Do not rely on a USAJOBS email to confirm successful application. Only an email from NASA confirms a successful application
The scientist will perform research directed toward discovering, disseminating, and applying new or expanded knowledge of chemical, dynamic and radiative processes which regulate the spatial and temporal distributions and abundances of radiatively and chemically active tropospheric and stratospheric aerosols.
Provides specialized expertise for characterizing and improving the performance of laboratory and field-deployable instruments for measuring and characterizing the composition, concentrations, microphysical/radiative properties and spatial distributions of trace atmospheric constituents. The scientist works with technicians and engineers in calibrating, integrating and operating instruments aboard space-borne, airborne and other mobile platforms to perform detailed studies of atmospheric composition, air quality, and/or source characteristics, such as supporting development of an in-situ measurement capability for stratospheric aerosol observations from airborne platforms and balloon-based measurements. The scientist will devise/apply methods for evaluating and improving measurement performance and correcting and/or interpreting data from research-grade sensors for both in-situ and remote-sensing observations for atmospheric aerosols; devise/apply methods for correcting data sets for sampling losses/biases and for quickly evaluating instrument performance and the internal consistency between different sensors within the overall measurement suite.
Works with and/or lead tasks, for example, interpreting sub-orbital and/or satellite remote sensing measurements of the atmosphere related to regional and global change phenomena, developing and/or validating pioneering remote sensing data retrieval techniques, publishing results of such investigations. Support the development, operation, data reduction, and validation of aerosol measurements in the stratosphere and upper troposphere from in-situ and/or on-orbit instrumentation. The scientist may develop new measurement techniques and enabling hardware and software technologies for future satellite and/or suborbital missions. The scientist identifies crucial limitations in the current state-of-the-art techniques, practices, and component performance and devises innovative improvements or alternatives that can overcome or bypass current limitations.
Leads or makes major contributions to scientific studies of atmospheric composition, including aerosol vertical, spatial, and temporal variability. Collaborates with internal and external investigators employing analysis methods, models and remote sensing information to derive regional-to-global distributions and properties of atmospheric trace constituents. Develops unique, innovative analysis and/or modeling techniques for investigating the dynamic interactions between and with trace atmospheric species, including radiatively important trace gases and aerosols. Contributes to the development and/or evaluation of algorithms for deriving properties from remotely sensed measurements.
Position subject to pre-employment background investigation.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Qualifications
To qualify at the GS-12 level, applicants must meet one of the following in addition to the Basic Education Requirement:
a. One year of specialized experience in an appropriate field at least equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to GS-11 level work in the Federal service; or b. Any combination of experience and graduate study**; or c. Completion of all requirements for a doctoral degree** (Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field.
Specialized experience includes: Experience working with large datasets, for example: airborne campaign in situ and remotely sensed data and/or on-orbit satellite remote sensing data; strong programming expertise, such as, FORTRAN/C, MATLAB, IDL, Python, Perl, IGOR and; experience in airborne field campaigns and/or satellite missions.
To qualify at the GS-13 level, applicants must satisfy the Basic Education Requirement AND have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, which has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position described above. At this grade level there is no option to substitute education for experience.
Specialized experience includes: Substantial and varied experience working with large datasets, for example: airborne campaign in situ and remotely sensed data and/or on-orbit satellite remote sensing data; strong programming expertise, such as, FORTRAN/C, MATLAB, IDL, Python, Perl, IGOR and; leadership experience and/or contributions as principal or co-investigator conducting airborne field campaigns and/or satellite missions.
Education
Basic Education Requirement: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Architecture, Astronautical Engineering, Astronautics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Ceramics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science*, Earth and Planetary Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Geology, Geophysics, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Mathematics (Pure or Applied), Applied Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Metallurgy, Meteorology, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Engineering Physics, Oceanography, Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Space Science, Structural Engineering, Welding Engineering or other appropriate physical science or engineering field. Degrees in engineering technology are not considered to be qualifying for this position. *Note: Curriculum must include 30 semester hours of course work in a combination of mathematics, statistics and computer science. Of the 30 semester hours, 15 must be in any combination of statistics and mathematics which includes differential and integral calculus.
**Required college majors for applicants qualifying on the basis of undergraduate or graduate education only:**
You may qualify up to the GS-12 level on the basis of education alone, provided your degree is in any appropriate field of engineering, physical or computer science or mathematics. Study must include or be supplemented by six semester hours or the equivalent in appropriate life or other natural science courses, and include or be supplemented by at least two courses which would provide knowledge of subjects appropriate to the vacancy being filled.
Additional information
Any applicant tentatively selected for this position may be required to undergo a pre-employment background investigation. Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. See 'How You Will Be Evaluated' for definition of well qualified. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP consideration must indicate their eligibility when applying for a position. The USAJOBS resume asks you to identify your ICTAP eligibility; the NASA Supplemental Information asks you to identify your CTAP eligibility. If you are selected for the position, you must be prepared to submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.
As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. In order to receive preference in hiring, you must clearly identify your claim for veterans preference on your resume.
NASA's Applicant Guide provides the information needed to assist you in determining whether or not you can claim 5 or 10 point veterans preference. You should not submit documents to prove your eligibility for veterans preference at this time. However, you must be prepared to submit proof of veterans preference (DD-214, and, if claiming 10-point preference, SF-15 plus proof required by that form) as requested by the Human Resources Office. Veterans preference will only be considered based on what is supported For instance, if you claim 10-point preference, but are only able to document 5-point preference, you will be considered accordingly. If you fail to provide the required documents within the stated time period, we may withdraw a job offer and/or remove you from further consideration.
Your USAJOBS account asks you to assign a name to each of your resumes. When you apply to a NASA position, we will show you the text of the resume you have submitted, but we do not maintain the name you have assigned to that resume. If you wish to keep track of that information, we recommend you make note of it at the time you apply.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
NASA uses an automated system (Resumix) that matches the competencies extracted from your resume to the competencies identified by the selecting official for the position. Based on the competencies you match, you are placed in one of three categories identified as 90, 80, or 70 pt. quality categories, which are defined as:
90 pt. Category - Tentatively meets (until subsequent confirmation upon referral) the basic qualification requirements identified in the vacancy announcement and has experience in the same or similar job that has demonstrated superior proficiency in the primary requirements of the position.
80 pt. Category - Tentatively meets (until subsequent confirmation upon referral) the basic qualification requirements identified in the vacancy announcement and demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in the primary requirements of the position.
70 pt. Category - Fails to meet criteria described in the 80 pt. category.
Additional application guidance is available in NASA's Applicant Guide.
Information for Veterans: The Category Rating Process protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed at the top of the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher.
For the purpose of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), candidates rated in the top quality category are considered well-qualified
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
NASA's application process has been specifically developed to ensure that we only ask you for the information we absolutely need to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility. In order to apply for this position, you only need to submit your resume and answer the screening questions and supplemental information. No additional documentation is accepted at the time of application. (For example you need not submit narrative 'KSA' statements; they are not required and will not be evaluated.) In this way we allow you to focus on preparing a resume that best describes your background and abilities. For assistance in preparing your resume, consult the Applicant Guide. Nothing further is required until requested by the Human Resources Office. At that point, we may ask you to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume. For example, we may ask you to provide academic transcripts or proof of Federal employment status. If you are claiming veterans' preference, we may ask you to submit proof of veterans preference (DD-214, and, if claiming 10-point preference, SF-15 plus proof required by that form). If you fail to provide the required documents within the stated time period, we may withdraw a job offer and/or remove you from further consideration.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This vacancy is being filled through NASA STARS, an automated Staffing and Recruitment System. NASA partners with USAJOBS in providing a seamless application process. Before you begin the application process, please read the vacancy announcement carefully and have all required information available. You may begin the process of submitting your resume by clicking on the 'Apply Online' link. In order to be considered, you must submit a resume completed on the USAJOBS site. When completing your USAJOBS resume, please remember that NASA limits resumes to approximately 32,000 characters including spaces. NASA does not accept resumes uploaded to USAJOBS from a second source or documents attached through USAJOBS' document attachment feature. Once you submit your resume to NASA, you will be asked to complete a short series of additional questions. You must finish the entire process in order to have a complete application package and receive consideration. Your answers will not be saved unless you finish the entire application. You may edit a previously-submitted application, if the announcement is still open. If you are unable to apply electronically for this position, submit your resume and supplemental questions to: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 4200 Rideout Road Resume Operations Center/Mailstop: HS50 Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812.
DO NOT submit your resume directly to the Center advertising this vacancy. Mailed resumes must be received by the close of business on the closing date of the announcement. Hard copy resumes requirements are provided at: Hard Copy Resume Requirements. If you are a first time applicant, we recommend that you review NASA's Applicant Guide to ensure that you are providing a complete resume. Failure to submit the supplemental data and a resume that contains all of the required information may result in loss of consideration for positions in which you are interested. All applications must be received no later than midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
NASA's Resume Operations Center
4200 Rideout Road, Mailstop HS50
Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812
US
Next steps
Candidates for NASA positions are evaluated using our automated staffing and recruitment system, NASA STARS, which compares your skills and experience as described in your resume with the requirements of the position. If you are found to be a highly qualified candidate, you will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. (In some cases, individuals with priority for special consideration must be considered and selected before other candidates.) Whether or not you are contacted for an interview depends upon the location of the position and the judgment of the selecting official. At NASA, we pride ourselves on efficient and timely recruitment actions, and you can normally expect to learn the outcome of the selection process in a fairly short period of time. In addition, to ensure that you can measure progress for yourself, NASA provides you with regularly updated information on the status of the vacancy announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
NASA's application process has been specifically developed to ensure that we only ask you for the information we absolutely need to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility. In order to apply for this position, you only need to submit your resume and answer the screening questions and supplemental information. No additional documentation is accepted at the time of application. (For example you need not submit narrative 'KSA' statements; they are not required and will not be evaluated.) In this way we allow you to focus on preparing a resume that best describes your background and abilities. For assistance in preparing your resume, consult the Applicant Guide. Nothing further is required until requested by the Human Resources Office. At that point, we may ask you to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume. For example, we may ask you to provide academic transcripts or proof of Federal employment status. If you are claiming veterans' preference, we may ask you to submit proof of veterans preference (DD-214, and, if claiming 10-point preference, SF-15 plus proof required by that form). If you fail to provide the required documents within the stated time period, we may withdraw a job offer and/or remove you from further consideration.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This vacancy is being filled through NASA STARS, an automated Staffing and Recruitment System. NASA partners with USAJOBS in providing a seamless application process. Before you begin the application process, please read the vacancy announcement carefully and have all required information available. You may begin the process of submitting your resume by clicking on the 'Apply Online' link. In order to be considered, you must submit a resume completed on the USAJOBS site. When completing your USAJOBS resume, please remember that NASA limits resumes to approximately 32,000 characters including spaces. NASA does not accept resumes uploaded to USAJOBS from a second source or documents attached through USAJOBS' document attachment feature. Once you submit your resume to NASA, you will be asked to complete a short series of additional questions. You must finish the entire process in order to have a complete application package and receive consideration. Your answers will not be saved unless you finish the entire application. You may edit a previously-submitted application, if the announcement is still open. If you are unable to apply electronically for this position, submit your resume and supplemental questions to: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 4200 Rideout Road Resume Operations Center/Mailstop: HS50 Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812.
DO NOT submit your resume directly to the Center advertising this vacancy. Mailed resumes must be received by the close of business on the closing date of the announcement. Hard copy resumes requirements are provided at: Hard Copy Resume Requirements. If you are a first time applicant, we recommend that you review NASA's Applicant Guide to ensure that you are providing a complete resume. Failure to submit the supplemental data and a resume that contains all of the required information may result in loss of consideration for positions in which you are interested. All applications must be received no later than midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
NASA's Resume Operations Center
4200 Rideout Road, Mailstop HS50
Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812
US
Next steps
Candidates for NASA positions are evaluated using our automated staffing and recruitment system, NASA STARS, which compares your skills and experience as described in your resume with the requirements of the position. If you are found to be a highly qualified candidate, you will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. (In some cases, individuals with priority for special consideration must be considered and selected before other candidates.) Whether or not you are contacted for an interview depends upon the location of the position and the judgment of the selecting official. At NASA, we pride ourselves on efficient and timely recruitment actions, and you can normally expect to learn the outcome of the selection process in a fairly short period of time. In addition, to ensure that you can measure progress for yourself, NASA provides you with regularly updated information on the status of the vacancy announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
