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• Duties described below are at the full-performance level. Duties assigned at a lower grade level will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
• Supports/Leads the development of new or innovative nonintrusive optical spectroscopic techniques that will product flow diagnostic measurements, providing the capability to make fundamental measurements for aerospace research.
• Supports/Leads application of optical measurement systems for quantifying flow field parameters (e.g. velocity, temperature, density), and flow visualization, in support of testing at ground test facilities including wind tunnels and vacuum spheres.
• Publishes findings in NASA reports, conference proceedings, and scientific journals. Presents research results at professional society meetings.
• Supports/Performs various project functions which may include: planning, design, cost analyses, and reporting for projects. Monitors contracted work either externally or on-site in the facility of the contractor.
• Reviews conference papers, journal articles, Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) proposals, and unsolicited research proposals.
• Directly assists Principle Investigator (PI), or serves as co-PI, or PI, in performing wind tunnel tests or in writing proposals for various projects.
• Performs service activities by serving on committees that are a priority for the branch, directorate, or center.

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 investigation.
• If applicable, applications will be considered from candidates who meet the education substitution by August 31, 2022. All other qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
• Start dates will be set after all requirements have been met and verified.
• A one year trial period may be required.
• Please see the "Additional Information" section for important information about COVID-19 vaccination requirements for federal employees.

Qualifications

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below and have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, which has equipped you with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position described above.

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.

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

• Supporting optical measurement technique development to meet project milestone objectives and goals;
• Applying optical spectroscopic techniques to support ground testing facilities; and,
• Assisting in the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of optical techniques.

OR

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

OR

c) Expect to complete all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field by August 31, 2022.

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

• Contributing to the development of nonintrusive optical spectroscopic techniques that will provide flow diagnostic measurements;
• Applying optical measurement systems for quantifying flow field parameters, including but not limited to velocity, temperature, density, and flow visualization; and,
• Drafting reports and presenting research results to leadership, management, and/or during professional society meetings.

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.

Required college majors for applicants qualifying on the basis of graduate education only (GS-12):

Code 730 Measurement: Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Astronautics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering (except power), Electronics Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Engineering Physics, Oceanography, Optical Engineering. Other majors will qualify if the major includes or is supplemented as follows: Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics (Pure or Applied), Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics (or other related field), if includes or is supplemented by two courses in solid state physics, materials, optics, statics and dynamics, electricity and electronics, electron optics, kinetic theory of gases, electromagnetic propagation or radiation, semiconductors, vibration, high vacuum theory, information theory or heat transfer.

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 on 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:

• Advanced Experimentation and Testing Technologies
• Optical Systems
• Physics

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.