Research Astrophysicist, AST, Fields and Particles (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 at the GS-14 level, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level: Measuring, analyzing, and simulating time-dependent atmospheric neutral density, including the use of models and validation with observational data; Assessing Ionosphere-Thermosphere-Mesosphere (ITM) models and conducting associated data analysis; Serving as a nationally recognized science expert in physical phenomena in the ITM domain; Applying expertise in data assimilation technology, particularly in its application to space weather modeling. To qualify at the GS-15 level, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level: Demonstrated expertise in the measurement, analysis and simulation of atmospheric neutral density; Conducting advanced Ionosphere-Thermosphere-Mesosphere (ITM) modeling and data analysis, including the development and validation of models and interpretation of observational data; Serving as an internationally recognized science expert in physical phenomena in the ITM domain, with a prominent role in the ITM community; Applying expertise in data assimilation technologies, specifically for space weather modeling. 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. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA’s guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.
You will serve as the Ionosphere-Thermosphere-Mesosphere (ITM) Lead responsible for onboarding, validating, and maintaining the set of ionosphere-thermosphere-mesosphere (ITM) models at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC); manage a team of ITM contractors and postdocs; implement data-assimilation methodologies into CCMC ITM models; support ITM missions from concept design to post-launch Phase E; perform independent and collaborative cutting-edge research on the lower atmosphere.