Mars

NASA Is Hiring A Senior Scientist For Mars Exploration

By Keith Cowing
Status Report
NASA
May 19, 2024
Filed under , ,
NASA Is Hiring A Senior Scientist For Mars Exploration
Mars as seen by the NASA Perseverance Rover — NASA

The Senior Scientist for Mars Exploration reports directly to the Planetary Science Division (PSD) Director on all matters pertaining to the science of Mars and Mars Exploration. The incumbent provides recommendations, advice, and consultation on all science-related aspects of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program (MEP) and Mars Sample Return Campaign. Recommends the scientific strategy for the exploration of Mars and ensures the implementation of the science content of the program is optimized. More information

Duties

The Senior Scientist for Mars Exploration:

Serves as a senior science advisor to the Associate Administrator (AA) for Science Mission Directorate (SMD) on all matters concerning the scientific content and strategy for Mars exploration. This includes recommending scientific strategy for the exploration of Mars and ensuring the implementation of the science content of the program is optimized.

Provides recommendations, advice, and consultation on all science-related aspects of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program (MEP) and the Mars Sample Return Campaign to the Planetary Science Director, the Mars Program Director, and the Mars Sample Return Program Director.

Represents SMD in all areas relating to scientific exploration of Mars. Supports the SMD management team in the presentation and coordination of the science aspects of Mars Exploration to NASA top management, the Office of Management and Budget, the Congress, and other agencies and organizations, as appropriate.

Coordinates scientific research program content and priorities with SMD Technology Program representatives and other SMD management officials to ensure the most efficient use of resources in achieving SMD goals, and serves as point of contact for announcement and peer reviews.

Represents science interests associated with Mars explorations related project and assessments. Serves as principal SMD science representative for Mars exploration to the scientific community through advisory committees and other groups such as the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.

Coordinates and collaborates with the science community in decision-making impacting the science of the Mars samples and keeps the worldwide science community and stakeholders informed on planning for Mars exploration efforts.

Assesses and coordinates the following activities: scientific inputs to lead development of the Mars science strategy consistent with scientific priorities established by SMD senior management officials; the science drivers for the development and implementation of a Mars instrument technology design and development program to meet the needs of future Mars exploration space science missions; and scientific inputs for broad agency announcements for Mars exploration, including inter-agency and internationally supported opportunities.

Organizes and oversees a broad program of research and analysis required to provide the basis for an effective space science program focused on the study of the planet Mars. This includes coordinating activities with the Planetary Protection Officer to enhance the scientific basis for planetary protection requirements relevant to Mars missions.

Fosters and continually drives a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence, and innovation within and outside of the organization and NASA. Champions the Agency’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and creates an environment and culture that promotes and enables the Agency’s commitment to safety, inclusion, integrity, teamwork, and excellence.

More information

Astrobiology, Astrogeology,

Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA Space Station Payload manager/space biologist, Away Teams, Journalist, Lapsed climber, Synaesthete, Na’Vi-Jedi-Freman-Buddhist-mix, ASL, Devon Island and Everest Base Camp veteran, (he/him) 🖖🏻