Senior Scientist for Lunar Exploration

Senior Scientist for Lunar Exploration

Department: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $151661 - $217332 Per Year

Job Summary: The Senior Scientist for Lunar Exploration within the Science Mission Directorate serves as the principal advisor to the Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration and Lunar Discovery and Exploration Program, on all science-related aspects of NASA's lunar science and exploration initiatives; advises on the scientific strategy for the exploration of Earth's Moon; and works with programmatic management to ensure the implementation of the science content is optimized.

Major Duties:

• The Senior Scientist for Lunar Exploration: Represents Science Mission Directorate (SMD) as required by the Associate Administrator in all scientific matters relating to scientific exploration of the Earth's Moon except where related to personnel. Recommends lunar science goals and objectives which advance U.S. scientific preeminence, enable safe and sustainable human exploration of the Moon, and use of the Moon to prepare for human exploration of Mars. Serves as the Senior Scientist advisor to the Associate Administrator for SMD, the Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration (DAAX), and the Lunar Discovery and Exploration Program, on all matters concerning the scientific content and strategy of lunar exploration. In addition, the incumbent recommends the scientific direction and strategy for the lunar exploration to programmatic management to assure U.S. scientific preeminence in lunar science. Assesses and coordinates scientific inputs to the lunar exploration science strategy consistent with scientific priorities established by SMD senior management officials. Assesses and coordinates with programmatic management the science drivers for the development and implementation of a lunar instrument technology design and development program to meet the needs of future lunar exploration space science missions. Coordinates lunar exploration science-related activities between NASA offices and other Federal and international agencies. Assesses and coordinates scientific inputs for broad agency announcements for lunar exploration, including inter-agency and internationally supported opportunities. Serves as principle SMD science representative for lunar exploration to the scientific community through advisory committees and other groups such as the National Research Council. Supports the Associate Administrator for SMD, the DAAX, and programmatic management in presentation of the science aspects of lunar exploration to NASA top management, the Office of Management and Budget, the Congress, and other agencies and organizations as appropriate.

Qualifications: Candidates must be a nationally or internationally recognized scientific expert with at least one year of GS-15-equivalent experience leading Lunar Science and Exploration efforts through missions or scientific research programs. This experience includes the development of Lunar Science and Exploration strategies; publishing research on the Earth's Moon; and collaborating across broad, complex networks of scientific and external stakeholders within the Lunar and Planetary science 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. NASA strictly prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tools to draft application or assessment responses. For more information, please refer to NASA's guidance: https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, your resume must also address each of the Senior Level (SL) Evaluation Criteria listed below. Failure to address these criteria will result in your application being rated ineligible. For the full definition of the SL Evaluation Criteria please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/executiveleadership/#SL-Evaluation-Criteria. Please include your full name on all documents submitted. SL EVALUATION CRITERIA: 1. Technical Excellence and Contributions Experience/Accomplishments Technical and Strategic Problem Solving Information Transfer 2. Corporate Cooperation and Technical Leadership Skill Please refer to the "How you will be evaluated" section for a list of competencies that you will be evaluated on.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section and submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume to be included with your application package. Your uploaded resume may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit:https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Faxed, emailed, and/or mailed application materials will not be accepted for this announcement. NASA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact center listed on the job vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-13