About this role
Job SummaryAs the Director of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI), the incumbent plans, directs, and coordinates the scientific activities of the Institute. This includes providing scientific advice and recommendations to advance multidisciplinary research supporting science and human exploration in areas such as lunar, planetary, and space science.
QualificationsCandidates must be a recognized subject matter expert with at least 1 year of directly related experience equivalent to the GS-15 level in leading a multidisciplinary scientific research program focused on fields such as lunar, planetary, or space science. This includes establishing strategic research priorities, leading research teams, allocating resources, and collaborating with stakeholders across government, industry, or academia to advance scientific discovery, human and robotic exploration of the solar system, and cross-disciplinary research between science and exploration communities. 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 position. 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. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, your resume must also address both Senior Level (SL) Evaluation Criteria listed below. Failure to address these criteria will result in your application being rated ineligible. SL EVALUATION CRITERIA: 1. Technical Competence and Leadership Led technical/discipline teams to advance or enable state-of-the-art solutions in science, engineering, or mission enabling functions. Developed or implemented innovative methodologies or technologies to solve complex scientific, engineering or mission enabling problems. Led or supported collaborative partnerships with industry, academic, or government organizations to advance scientific, engineering, or mission enabling technical capabilities at national or international levels. 2. Professional Contributions and Influence Leveraged expertise and integration skills to resolve technical/discipline challenges for complex systems. Demonstrated impact in technical discipline to solve issues or improve operational effectiveness. Chaired or presented at professional conference sessions or technical forums to share expertise and influence field development. Developed or mentored students or professional practitioners in scientific, engineering or mission enabling communities. Shared technical knowledge or innovations that were adopted by outside organizations with documented results. Please refer to the "How you will be evaluated" section for a list of competencies that you will be evaluated on.
Major DutiesThe Director, Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI): Provides strategic direction and guidance for the Institute, fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary scientific and organizational partners to advance lunar and planetary science and communicate results to scientists, educators, and the public. Provides guidance and oversight for competitively selected SSERVI teams that investigate basic and applied science questions aimed at advancing understanding of the formation, evolution, and current state of the Solar System, including research relevant to human exploration. Partners with stakeholders to develop periodic solicitations for SSERVI research teams and ensure mission directorates in the review and competitive selection of those teams. Enhances the effectiveness and impact of SSERVI by identifying a strategy for integrating international partners into the Institute's activities. Ensures that the Institute remains at the cutting edge of using technology to enable effective and efficient use of virtual communications tools to integrate the geographically dispersed SSERVI teams. Leads scientific and programmatic oversight of the Institute and its Agency-selected research teams ("nodes"), ensuring alignment with NASA's strategic objectives for lunar and planetary science and human exploration. Advises on Institute budget priorities and investment strategies and contributes to the development and administration of cooperative agreements. Collaborates with stakeholders to develop research solicitations, define scientific focus areas, and shape program priorities. Supports the peer review and evaluation of research proposals, provides recommendations regarding the selection of new research teams, and facilitates the implementation of cooperative agreements. Also prepares annual program reports, provides strategic and programmatic updates to Headquarters sponsors, and coordinates scientific meetings and activities that foster collaboration and advance Institute objectives. Serves as the Institute's principal liaison to internal stakeholders, international partners, the scientific community, and the public, advancing the Institute's mission through strategic engagement and collaboration. Advocates for the integration of scientific research into NASA's current and future human exploration initiatives and provides expert guidance on matters affecting the Institute's strategic direction. Convenes an annual science conference; cultivates partnerships across the science and exploration communities through domestic and international engagement, including travel to international meetings, conferences, and partner organizations; and promotes broad awareness of the Institute's research, accomplishments, and contributions to exploration objectives.