Public - General Physical Scientist

Summary

Positions advertised are located in various organizations at Langley Research Center (LaRC) and Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and support physical science activities across NASA programs, projects, systems, and mission needs. NASA may fill GS-1301 Physical Scientist positions at the GS-12/13/14/15 grade 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.
• Plans and conducts physical science studies, analyses, tests, and field or laboratory investigations using appropriate scientific methods, instrumentation, and analytical techniques.
• Develops, applies, and evaluates analytical, statistical, or computational models to assess physical phenomena, uncertainty, risk, and technical performance.
• Collects, manages, analyzes, and interprets scientific data; performs quality assurance and quality control; and communicates findings through reports, visualizations, and briefings.
• Develops and reviews technical requirements, test or sampling plans, procedures, specifications, and other scientific or technical documentation.
• Conducts technical reviews and assessments of in-house and contractor activities for scientific rigor, safety, quality, compliance, and completion of corrective actions.
• Integrates scientific and technical inputs across disciplines to support projects, programs, systems, and mission requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Plans and manages scientific projects or work packages, including scope, schedule, resources, performance, risks, and mitigation activities.
• Provides scientific advice and recommendations to management and stakeholders and represents the organization in technical reviews, working groups, and collaborative activities.

• 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. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.
  ** See Additional Information section**
• You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance. Investigation/Clearance may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
• 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.
• Duty location will be determined upon selection. This position is not designated as remote; however, may be authorized to perform work from an approved duty location based on mission needs and supervisory approval, consistent with Agency policy.
• To be considered for employment, you must submit your complete application by 11:59 PM ET on September 15, 2026.

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.

• Performing physical science studies, analyses, or investigations involving the selection or application of scientific methods, data analysis, modeling, testing, or evaluation and developing technical findings or recommendations.

• Planning and leading physical science studies or assessments involving analytical, statistical, computational, or experimental methods and integrating scientific data to develop technical findings, solutions, or recommendations.

• Leading complex or multidisciplinary physical science projects, studies, or assessments involving the development or evaluation of scientific methods, requirements, or analytical approaches and providing technical guidance on significant scientific issues or risks.