[Hiring] Physical Scientist/Physicist @Goddard Space Flight Center

Role Description

Positions advertised are in various organizations across NASA. NASA may fill positions in any of the following series, at any grade level, and any location listed in this announcement (GS-1301, 1310, and 1330 at the GS-11/12/13/14/15 levels).

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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• In addition to the Basic Education Requirement, 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.
• To qualify for GS-11, 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 Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field.
• OR Completed 3 full academic years of graduate education in an appropriate field.
• OR Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed 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.
• 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 scientific or technical programs;
  • Leading large-scale, multidisciplinary scientific or technical efforts that establish research or operational priorities;
  • Serving as a discipline authority for establishing scientific or technical policy, developing and implementing scientific or technical strategies, and advising senior leadership on complex scientific or technical matters.
• Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience.

Requirements

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• This position may require a one-year probationary/trial period.
• You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance.
• Financial Disclosure, Drug Testing, and/or the Travel Requirements for this position may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
• To be considered for employment, you must submit your complete application by 11:59 PM ET on October 13, 2026.

Benefits

• 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.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.