Public Notice - Research Physical Scientist/Physicist (Direct Hire)

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, your scientific impact will be examined in addition to other factors, to determine if you are eligible for promotion. To qualify for GS-11, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level: Conducting advanced physical science research, including analytical investigations, modeling, laboratory experimentation, or field studies; Applying professional scientific judgment to validate results, refine methods, and draw evidence-based conclusions; Producing scientific reports, analyses, or assessments for research audiences. OR b) Completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field OR c) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a) and b) above To qualify for GS-12, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Conducting complex scientific research requiring advanced methodologies or multidisciplinary integration; Serving as a subject-matter resource for moderately complex scientific investigations; Contributing significant research insights as part of collaborative scientific teams. 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: Serving as a recognized scientific authority on complex physical science topics; Developing and leading significant research studies, advanced analytical models, or experimental campaigns; Synthesizing multi-disciplinary scientific data to advance understanding or inform program decisions. To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level: Providing senior-level leadership for complex physical science research programs; Serving as an expert in the relevant scientific discipline; Advising senior officials on high-complexity scientific findings, risks, methodologies, and emerging phenomena. To qualify for GS-15, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level: Providing expert-level direction for physical science research of national or agency importance; Serving as a principal scientific authority; Establishing scientific research standards, policies, methodologies, or long-term research strategies. 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. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process. Required college majors for applicants qualifying on the basis of undergraduate or graduate education only (GS-11 and GS-12 research): In determining the NASA AST specific position title to which you are appointed, you may be required to have one of the following majors (this list is not inclusive): Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Astronautics, Earth and Planetary Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Optical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Space Science, Biology (botany, zoology, biophysics, radiation biology, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, toxicology), Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Engineering Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Astronomy, Astrophysics. Additional coursework in physical science, engineering, mathematics, life science, or other related fields may also be required depending on the position. Promotion Potential: The full performance level (FPL) will vary based on the position in which the selectee is placed and does not default to the highest grade advertised.