Job Description

Are you a creative science leader with extensive experience in the space science community?

Do you enjoy working with diverse teams, creating impactful space science initiatives?

Do you have an unquenchable curiosity along with the ability to translate highly technical information and ideas to the general public and key stakeholders?

Do you thrive in a dynamic environment and have experience working with high-level government officials?

We're seeking a Chief Scientist for the APL Space Exploration Sector (SES) to lead and shape the science vision across the sector, engage the global space science community, and ensure the scientific integrity of our missions. The SES Chief Scientist reports to the Space Exploration Sector Head and works across the sector in the formulation, implementation and operation of a broad portfolio of space science instruments and missions.

The SES Chief Scientist:

• Ensures missions proposed/flown by APL are consistent with NASA and NOAA strategy
  • Maintains strong relationships with NASA and NOAA leaders
  • Ensures the scientific validity of APL mission proposals and that these proposals include the best possible science
  • Approves Principal Investigator (PI) and Project Scientist (and Deputy) positions for SES missions
  • Chairs Pink Team review and participates in all reviews for concepts in formulation
  • Provides ongoing support for APL mission PIs and Project Scientists and for external PIs
• Ensures that all SES Space Sector missions achieve/maintain the highest quality science possible, in accordance with stated Level 1 requirements
• Serves as a key participant in the development and execution of APL Space Sector strategy
• Serves as primary APL representative and recognized scientific authority in the community
  • Interfaces with the science community and maintains a highly developed scientific network for identifying mission leaders, partners, and strategic hires
  • Sustains expert standing in the field through leadership roles on NASA and NAS committees
  • Champions APL capabilities to external stakeholders
  • Coordinates activities amongst APL researchers engaged in community service
  • Maintains a presence at national/international conferences and workshops
  • Communicates Sector scientific capabilities and accomplishments to visitors and partners
• Promotes new approaches for scientific investigations (experimental, theoretical and/or data analysis) that advance APL strategic goals
• Supports APL instrument and mission teams to ensure a cohesive approach to meeting science objectives
• Works with APL Space Sector leadership to position internal/external resources for achieving scientific advances in missions, projects, and programs
  • Coordinates between Space Science and Instrumentation Branch and Mission Areas to identify strategically important research projects
• Identifies, supports, and mentors the next generation of mission science leaders internal and external to APL
  • Identifies and recommends internal researchers to serve on high-visibility national boards, panels, and committees
  • Works with APL Space Sector leadership to develop and implement training programs for future APL science mission leaders
• Supports technical work on direct projects, as necessary

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• A PhD in planetary science, heliophysics or a related discipline with at least 15 years of related experience.
• Subject-matter expertise in several space science domains, with broad multidisciplinary knowledge across the field.
• Significant expertise in space science mission practices and procedures, sufficient to provide leadership oversight and monitoring of science in space missions.
• Thorough understanding of NASA strategic plans, missions, and relevant priorities, and ability to predict and understand the science needs of future projects.
• Thorough understanding of NASA flight mission selection practices.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience with the science management of small and large projects in a schedule-constrained, cost-capped environment
• Experience in science planning and prioritization.
• Understanding of established practices and standards across a broad range of planetary science applications.
• Demonstrated leadership roles in NASA or NAS committees, science community advocacy groups, or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically.
• The ability to collaborate with personnel internal and external to APL.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Have the ability to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance.  If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...

• Experience in developing competitive proposals for missions, instruments, or fundamental research that advance our nation’s space science and security efforts.
• A Broad network of contacts across NASA, NOAA, and other space science institutions.
• Experience leading diverse teams to success.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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