Staff Scientist III to provide advanced scientific and technical expertise in support of complex projects, systems, and laboratory operations on our FILMSS II contract. This position is responsible for applying professional, technical, and specialty knowledge to resolve complex scientific and engineering challenges involving the design, development, analysis, integration, evaluation, testing, and verification of systems, subsystems, and components.
The Staff Scientist III will exercise considerable scientific judgment, making decisions and recommendations that can have a significant impact within their respective field while working under the guidance of a senior scientist. This individual will also provide day-to-day direction and management of scientific staff within a laboratory environment.
Key Responsibilities- Provide advanced scientific, technical, and specialty expertise in the assigned scientific discipline.
- Support the design, development, analysis, integration, evaluation, testing, and verification of systems, subsystems, and components.
- Analyze and resolve complex scientific and technical problems requiring professional judgment and specialized expertise.
- Make technical decisions and recommendations that have a significant impact within the applicable scientific field, under the guidance of a senior scientist.
- Direct and manage scientific staff in the daily operation of a laboratory.
- Provide technical direction and guidance to laboratory personnel as needed to support project objectives.
- Initiate and maintain extensive professional relationships with key engineers, scientists, technical personnel, and officials from other organizations and companies.
- Coordinate and communicate across scientific and engineering disciplines to address technical issues and project requirements.
- Use sound professional judgment, persuasion, and negotiation skills when addressing complex or critical technical issues with internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute scientific expertise throughout project development, testing, evaluation, and verification activities.
Minimum Qualifications- Master's degree or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a recognized field of science from an accredited institution.
- Five (5) or more years of applicable professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience applying scientific principles to complex technical problems.
- Experience supporting technical activities involving design, development, analysis, integration, evaluation, testing, and/or verification.
- Ability to make technically sound decisions and recommendations within the candidate's area of scientific expertise.
- Experience working collaboratively with engineers, scientists, technical professionals, and organizational stakeholders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate, persuade, and negotiate effectively when addressing significant or complex technical matters.
- Ability to provide direction to scientific personnel and manage day-to-day laboratory activities.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience leading or directing scientific personnel in a laboratory or technical environment.
- Experience working on multidisciplinary projects involving both scientific and engineering teams.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex technical activities across multiple organizations or stakeholder groups.
- Experience supporting the full lifecycle of technical systems or components, from development and analysis through testing and verification.
Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesThe successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Advanced knowledge within their scientific discipline.
- Sound technical judgment and decision-making skills.
- Ability to evaluate complex scientific and technical information and develop actionable recommendations.
- Ability to lead laboratory personnel and organize daily technical activities.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder-management skills.
- Ability to work effectively with scientists, engineers, management, customers, and external organizations.
- Effective negotiation and technical communication skills.
Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is an experienced scientist who is comfortable operating at the intersection of
scientific analysis, technical problem-solving, laboratory leadership, and multidisciplinary engineering support. They can independently work through complex technical issues, provide credible recommendations to senior scientists and engineering personnel, and effectively direct laboratory staff while maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Writing changes: I preserved the degree, five-plus years of experience, senior-scientist guidance, technical scope, external coordination, negotiation responsibilities, and laboratory-management requirements you supplied. I expanded those into job-posting language without adding a specific scientific discipline, clearance requirement, work location, or certifications that weren't included in your source information.
Position Summary- Position Type: Regular, Full Time
- Job Length: Nov - March 31st (possible extension)
- U.S. Citizenship Required: Yes
- Location: Ames Research Center - Position can be 100% Remote
