15 June 2020
The Astrophysics Program Scientist Civil Servant job opening will be available through USAJOBS June 29 – July 6 due to the Federal Holiday. Check out the application section below for more information on how to prepare and apply for the positions available.
The Astrophysics Division within NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is seeking to hire multiple scientists to serve as civil servant Program Scientists at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Each Program Scientist will work as part of a diverse and agile team whose core values include excellence, integrity, transparency, teamwork, and a growth mindset toward stewarding the nation's space-based astrophysics program.
NASA's Astrophysics Division is responsible for the United States' space-based astrophysics program. With a budget (including the James Webb Space Telescope) exceeding $1.5 billion annually, NASA leads the nation to explore the universe, determine how it began and evolved, and search for extrasolar planets.
SMD Program Scientists have broad responsibility for advancing NASA's astrophysics portfolio; serving as the Headquarters science leads for one or more missions; developing and shaping multimillion-dollar scientific research grants programs selected through competitive peer review; and leading NASA's preparation for implementing the recommendations of the 2020 Decadal Survey. Program Scientists have substantial influence over high-level astrophysics strategic planning, as well as leading the long-term scientific direction of missions and programs that they oversee.
Specifically, a Program Scientist within the Astrophysics Division will:
NASA recognizes that candidates with non-traditional career paths, or individuals who are at earlier stages of their careers may have demonstrated experience in different ways. NASA encourages applications from such individuals.
This job announcement will open on Monday June 29 at USAJOBS. This is a fair and open competition that all U.S. Citizens and Status candidates can apply to.
This will be a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement through USAJOBS, so it will only be open for 5 days. The short period that the announcement is open is due to the type of hiring authority, which streamlines the hiring process and assists with rapidly filling competitive positions. It is not a reflection of the openness of the position. Advance notice of the vacancy is being provided to allow interested scientists to prepare. In order to apply for this position, you will only need to submit your resume and answer the screening questions and supplemental information through USAJOBS.
Given the short period the announcement will be open, it is a good idea to log into USAJOBS before June 29 and create/update your username, password, resume, etc., to facilitate the timely submission of an application.
Candidates interested in being notified when this job opportunity is posted on USAJOBS and opened for five days are encouraged to sign up for a notification using the features of the USAJOBS website.
Candidates interested in this opportunity are encouraged to contact NASA well in advance so they can make a well informed decision on submitting an application during the very short (5 day) window when the job opportunity will be open for applications. Questions about this anticipated opening for an Astrophysics Program Scientist at NASA Headquarters may be directed to Eric Smith, Chief Scientist, Astrophysics Division, eric.p.smith@nasa.gov, 202-358-2439.