Staff Scientist
Responsibilities
Support execution of the Vast science strategy and align scientific opportunities with company research roadmaps
Lead development and management of complex spaceflight research programs
Engage directly with external scientists, international partners, and payload providers to develop flight research opportunities
Collaborate with NASA programs including Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS), Human Research Program (HRP), and Mars Campaign Office (MCO)
Translate terrestrial research concepts into viable spaceflight experiments in collaboration with payload providers and engineering teams
Maintain institutional scientific integrity including appropriate scientific review and ethics oversight for human and payload research
Represent Vast in scientific conferences, panels, and industry forums
Provide leadership and mentorship to internal science teams
Support vehicle laboratory development and research capability expansion
Requirements
Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in an empiric science or professional field
Minimum 12 years experience managing scientific research programs
Extensive experience integrating science into spaceflight environments such as ISS or similar platforms
Strong experience working with human research or life sciences ethics frameworks
Ability to travel up to 40% of the time
Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Qualifications
PhD strongly preferred
Experience collaborating with NASA research programs such as Biological and Physical Sciences or Human Research Program
Experience managing international research collaborations
Strong reputation within the research community
Experience designing orbital research laboratories or flight payload systems
Demonstrated leadership in scientific program development
Skills
None listed
Benefits
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand.
Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including:
medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off;
up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually,
paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan,
ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.
Pay
Pay Range: California $159,900—$210,000 USD