Director Planetary Science Division

Summary

NASA's Planetary Science Division drives robotic exploration of the solar system-excluding the Sun and Earth-to understand planetary origins, evolution, and the potential for life. Planetary Science Division funds flagship missions like Mars rovers, Europa Clipper, and Dragonfly, manages planetary data, oversees planetary defense, and leads sample-return efforts, guided by the Planetary Science Decadal Survey.

Duties

• The Director Planetary Science Division: Establishes guidance and objectives as a basis for the planning and formulation of a national program in planetary science, including technology development, planetary mission development, mission operations, and data analysis. Directs the planning and implementation of a balanced national planetary science program that is responsive to the priorities of the of the scientific community as established through a rigorous Decadal Survey process. In concert with overall Science Mission Directorate (SMD) strategic planning, implements and manages a program for flight experiments and science investigations for solar system exploration. Develops budgets, policies, and priorities for the planetary science programs, including providing scientific and technical leadership required to guide implementation of relevant programs with the university community, private industry, NASA Centers, other government research laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers. Ensures an effective program of research and analysis of planetary science data and dissemination of results to the public and to the scientific community through scientific publications, symposia, colloquia, press releases, and press conferences. Serves as liaison with the scientific community through advisory committees, working groups, and other entities such as the National Academy of Sciences; coordinates the requirements of the Planetary Science studies with the international community and other Federal agencies. Prepares rationale and justification to support the annual budget request for programs in the Planetary Science Division. In coordination with other SMD Divisions, develops and presents periodic reviews and reporting, including weekly, monthly, and quarterly project and program reviews, as required. Formulates future programs and develops a feasible strategy for the implementation of these programs that is consistent with available resources, in conjunction with a robust technology development program coordinated with the other Divisions within SMD.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement. To be eligible, you must clearly state in your resume the following: degree, major and/or minor, and college/university. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or other field of science is required. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.