Public Notice - Biological Sciences (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.

To qualify for GS-11, you must have: a) You must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level: Conducting scientific or technical analysis, design, testing, or evaluation using established methods; Applying scientific or technical procedures and judgment with limited supervision; Producing scientific or technical reports, recommendations, or assisting in refining procedures, experimental setups, or data collection methods to support project objectives.

OR b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field OR c) Completed 3 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field OR d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Performing independent scientific or technical work and serving as a subject-matter resource within assigned projects; Contributing to developing or improving scientific or technical methods, models, products, or study designs; Preparing scientific or technical findings used for regulatory compliance, scientific interpretation, mission planning, or project support.

To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Providing scientific or technical guidance for studies or projects and serving as a recognized discipline authority in advanced scientific or technical areas; Developing scientific or technical solutions, conducting research or data analysis, formulating recommendations, coordinating multidisciplinary scientific or technical activities, and ensuring quality and data integrity within projects or programs; Providing authoritative scientific or technical recommendations that shape program decisions, policy implementation, or mission planning.

To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level: Providing senior-level scientific or technical leadership within programs or broader scientific communities; Managing or leading major scientific or technical programs, high-impact studies, or advising senior officials on complex programmatic issues; Contributing to developing policy, scientific or technical products, strategic plans, or program-level guidance related to scientific or technical operations.

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/#Super-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of super intelligent (SI) or SI-assisted tools during the application process. Required college majors for applicants qualifying on the basis of a graduate education only (GS-11 Only): Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Astronautics, Earth and Planetary Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Optical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Space Science.

Other appropriate physical science, mathematics or engineering fields are qualifying if the major includes or is supplemented by one physics or engineering lab in: Electronics, Optics, Materials, Vibration, High Vacuum Theory, Heat Transfer or comparable field relating to aerospace instrumentation.

OR Major study in biology (botany, zoology, biophysics, radiation biology, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, toxicology), or in behavioral science (experimental, physiological or clinical psychology) or other appropriate field of life science, including or supplemented by at least 20 semester hours of physical science or engineering (undergraduate or graduate), or experience sufficient to provide a basis for understanding, use and interpretation of the highly specialized ground-based or in-flight measurement, environmental control, vehicle control and other equipment required for manned or organism bearing aerospace flights and voyages; orb.

Major study in an appropriate engineering or physical science, including or supplemented by at least 20 semester hours of physiology, experimental or physiological psychology, or other appropriate life science, or experience in biotechnology, human factors engineering or other appropriate life science field. 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.

Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised.

Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.,Directs technical or scientific efforts across organizational boundaries and provides authoritative guidance to senior officials on highly complex scientific matters.,Conducts and oversees advanced technical or scientific research, experiments, analysis, design, test, and evaluation.

Applies expert judgment to resolve complex technical or scientific problems and recommends optimal solutions.,Advises executive leadership and program managers on complex technical or scientific programmatic matters. Represents the organization in high-level technical or scientific forums, boards, and reviews at the agency and interagency levels.,Develops or approves scientific techniques, standards, processes, procedures, technical policies, and requirements documents at the program or enterprise level.

Authors technical reports and assessments that inform senior leadership decisions.,Provides technical or scientific mentorship and discipline leadership across experience levels. Serves as a functional area expert supporting long-term organizational technical capability and scientific workforce development.,Represents the organization in technical or scientific exchanges with contractors, partner agencies, and external entities.

Leads formal technical reviews and integrated product teams requiring senior-level scientific expertise.,For supervisory positions, you will perform a full range of supervisory duties which includes assigning and evaluating work; recommending personnel actions; taking disciplinary actions; and identifying training needs and developing employees.