The incumbent serves as the Chief Scientist for NASA Langley Research Center providing oversight for science and research programs; and advising senior leadership in the identification of promising new, long term/high risk, and creative/inventive research programs. The incumbent evaluates proposals for new programs, keeps abreast of ongoing work, and establishes priorities to assure that Center research programs contribute effectively to national aerospace and scientific objectives.
Summary
The incumbent serves as the Chief Scientist for NASA Langley Research Center providing oversight for science and research programs; and advising senior leadership in the identification of promising new, long term/high risk, and creative/inventive research programs. The incumbent evaluates proposals for new programs, keeps abreast of ongoing work, and establishes priorities to assure that Center research programs contribute effectively to national aerospace and scientific objectives.
Yes—NASA may consider reimbursement of relocation expenses based on Agency discretion and/or organizational needs; relocation expense reimbursement is not guaranteed.
The area of consideration for this position is open to current civil service employees on career, career conditional, or NASA term appointments with conversion eligibility. A person is considered to be in the civil service only if occupying a civil service position at the time of application.
As the Chief Scientist for NASA Langley Research Center, the incumbent is responsible for:
Serving as the chief advisor to the Director on all areas affecting fundamental research at the Center. This includes maintaining current knowledge of the quality and scope of Center research programs and advising the Director of the adequacy of the programs to support the Center's current and future mission.
Advising on complex research, recommending solutions for critical Agency problems including new science and research with technical emphasis in the areas of Earth Science (atmospheric composition, weather, climate variability & change, water & energy cycle, carbon cycle & ecosystems), Space Science (space weather, radiation), Physical Science (fluid physics, complex fluids, material science, thermodynamics, fundamental physics), Human Research (human factors & performance), Computer Science (data science, advanced computing, formal methods, autonomy) and Systems Optimization for Aeronautics, Spacecraft, Exploration and Space Access.
Utilizing research experience and expertise to identify new and promising areas of scientific and engineering research, and supporting technologies, that can be integrated into the Center's capabilities. Facilitates and develops international, inter-agency, academic, and commercial collaborations to sustain new research initiatives. Supports and partners with the Agency Chief Scientist and the Agency Science Council and leads center planning and implementation of relevant Agency initiatives.
Advocating, representing, and advising scientists and researchers throughout the science and technical directorates pertaining to increased linkage of their emergent research ideas to the NASA strategic goals. Leads innovative research-focused activities and develops collaborations and partnerships with other agencies as well as commercial, academic, and international partners. As an internationally recognized expert in scientific research, represents the Center and Agency in providing expert advice in that field to senior managers across a wide spectrum of industrial, government, and academic institutions.
Encourages and fosters science integration and cooperation across the Center and Agency to ensure the integrity and exemplary quality of science and research at the Center to enable NASA to achieve its mission. Promotes and maintains good public and community relations and provides for the widest practical and appropriate dissemination of information concerning science and space activities.
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.
The individual selected will be required to file an Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report' (OGE-278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
Successful completion of a background investigation commensurate with the risk and sensitivity level of the position.
Successful completion of pre-employment and random drug screening may be required.
Must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
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 in:
Demonstrated experience identifying and leading new scientific development initiatives as well as overseeing and advising on a large diverse research portfolio. This includes technology development, long-range planning, and mission proposal preparation for at least one of the following areas: Earth Science (atmospheric composition, weather, climate variability & change, water & energy cycle, carbon cycle & ecosystems), Space Science (space weather, radiation), Physical Science (fluid physics, complex fluids, material science, thermodynamics, fundamental physics), Human Research (human factors & performance), Computer Science (data science, advanced computing, formal methods, autonomy) and Systems Optimization for Aeronautics, Spacecraft, Exploration and Space Access.
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.
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 private organization 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
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
This position is concurrently advertised on USAJOBS and open to the public via announcement LaRC-23-SL-12112431, and only one selection will be made. Only Federal civil service (career or career conditional appointments) or NASA terms with conversion eligibility employees will be considered for this announcement. All other interested applicants should apply to announcement LaRC-23-SL-12112431.
This announcement has been extended to October 24, 2023.
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.
All qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications above. 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:
Leveraging Diversity
Oral Communication
Partnering
Planning and Evaluating
Program/Project Management
Research
Strategic Thinking
Technical Competence
Under NASA's category rating process, applicants will be assessed on the position competencies and placed in one of three categories identified and defined below:
Best Qualified Category - Applicants who demonstrate a superior level of all evaluation criteria.
Highly Qualified Category - Applicants who demonstrate a satisfactory level of the evaluation criteria.
Qualified Category - Applicants who demonstrate the basic qualifications, with general knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Names of all qualified applicants in the Best Qualified category will be referred to a panel of subject matter experts (unless a sufficient number of qualified veterans are found - in which case only those names will be initially certified). The panel reviews the resumes and responses to the SL evaluation criteria as related to the specialized experience for this position. The panel evaluates the candidates' experience against each SL criterion. Candidates may receive an interview for further evaluation and/or be asked to provide a list of references. The panel will make a recommendation to the appropriate approving authority.
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.
You must provide a complete application package. If you do not provide all required information and supporting documentation, you will not be considered for this position.
1. Resume showing relevant work experience (start/end dates stated in month/year, description of duties), applicable education at a minimum, and your contact information. For current or previous Federal employees, it should also include the Pay Plan, Series and Grade for each work experience entry. Limit your resume to 10 pages. If more than 10 pages are submitted, only the first 10 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
2. SL Evaluation Criteria narrative responses. Limit your responses to 10 pages. If more than 10 pages are submitted, only the first 10 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your eligibility and the information provided in your application package. For example, we may request transcripts, SF-50s, etc. Therefore, we encourage you to have these documents prepared and ready when requested by the agency. 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 a veteran and you are claiming veterans' preference, we may request a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. For more information on veterans' preference and possible other supporting documents that you may have to submit, please visit NASA's SL Application Evaluation Process or FedsHireVets.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
NASA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact center listed on the job vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.
Langley Research Center
1 NASA Dr
Hampton, VA 23666
US
Next steps
Although you may or may not be contacted during the selection process, we will always advise you about the outcome of the announcement. If you have questions, please feel free to contact NASA Executive Staffing at Agency-Executive-Staffing@mail.nasa.gov.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must provide a complete application package. If you do not provide all required information and supporting documentation, you will not be considered for this position.
1. Resume showing relevant work experience (start/end dates stated in month/year, description of duties), applicable education at a minimum, and your contact information. For current or previous Federal employees, it should also include the Pay Plan, Series and Grade for each work experience entry. Limit your resume to 10 pages. If more than 10 pages are submitted, only the first 10 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
2. SL Evaluation Criteria narrative responses. Limit your responses to 10 pages. If more than 10 pages are submitted, only the first 10 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your eligibility and the information provided in your application package. For example, we may request transcripts, SF-50s, etc. Therefore, we encourage you to have these documents prepared and ready when requested by the agency. 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 a veteran and you are claiming veterans' preference, we may request a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. For more information on veterans' preference and possible other supporting documents that you may have to submit, please visit NASA's SL Application Evaluation Process or FedsHireVets.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
NASA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact center listed on the job vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.
Langley Research Center
1 NASA Dr
Hampton, VA 23666
US
Next steps
Although you may or may not be contacted during the selection process, we will always advise you about the outcome of the announcement. If you have questions, please feel free to contact NASA Executive Staffing at Agency-Executive-Staffing@mail.nasa.gov.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
