Lead the Future of Discovery: Director of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI)

NASA is looking for a pioneering scientific leader to serve as the Director of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI). This role is a unique opportunity to shape the landscape of planetary science while supporting human and robotic exploration of our solar system. Based at the prestigious Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, the Director will oversee a dynamic, virtual institute that bridges the gap between scientific investigation and exploration strategy.

Job Responsibilities

As the Director, your responsibilities are vast and multifaceted. You will:

Provide Strategic Leadership: Set the scientific direction for the Institute, ensuring alignment with NASA’s mission priorities.
Oversee Research Teams: Manage competitively selected 'nodes' that conduct high-level planetary and lunar science.
Foster Partnerships: Collaborate with international space agencies, academia, and private industry.
Advise on Strategy: Influence budget priorities and investment strategies to maximize the impact of scientific research.
Communicate Results: Host annual conferences and serve as the face of the Institute to the scientific community and the general public.

Requirements

To be considered, you must demonstrate a history of high-level leadership and technical proficiency. Key requirements include:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, physical science, mathematics, or computer science.
Experience: At least one year of directly related experience at the GS-15 level (or equivalent) in a multidisciplinary scientific research program.
Technical Mastery: Ability to provide scientific advice for complex programs and lead diverse, dispersed teams.
Compliance: Full adherence to SL evaluation criteria, which must be clearly documented in your resume.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary commensurate with senior executive responsibilities:

Pay Period	Annual Salary Range
Per Year	$151,661 - $217,332

Benefits

NASA offers a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support the well-being of our leaders, including:

Extensive health insurance options.
Federal retirement contributions.
Paid leave and federal holidays.
Remote work and telework support for a better work-life balance.
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and global professional development networks.

Application Tips

Customize Your Resume: Do not copy-paste text from the announcement. Use your own voice to describe your leadership successes.
Adhere to the Limit: Keep your resume to exactly two pages; exceeding this can lead to disqualification.
Detail the Criteria: Explicitly map your experience to the SL Evaluation Criteria provided in the job notice.
Check for Redactions: Remove personal information like Social Security Numbers or photos before submitting.

If you are a seasoned expert in space science with a drive to lead, the SSERVI Director role offers a career-defining experience. Help us chart the future of solar system exploration and drive scientific discovery forward. Review the full announcement on USAJOBS and prepare your application today.

Why This Director, Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (Sservi) Job Matters

Lead the future of lunar and planetary science at NASA's Ames Research Center as the Director of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute.

Director, Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (Sservi) Job Overview

NASA is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) in Moffett Field, California. In this high-level role, you will command the scientific and programmatic direction of the Institute, bridging the gap between basic research and human exploration. You will oversee a network of multidisciplinary teams, influence long-term strategy for lunar and planetary research, and serve as a key liaison to international partners, industry stakeholders, and the public.

Requirements for Director, Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (Sservi)

U.S. Citizenship or status as a current federal employee with eligibility.
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, or computer science.
Minimum of one year of experience equivalent to the GS-15 level in leading multidisciplinary scientific research programs.
Proven expertise in lunar, planetary, or space science research.
Demonstrated ability to develop strategic priorities, allocate resources, and manage research teams.
Must be able to address and document performance against Senior Level (SL) evaluation criteria.
Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Director, Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (Sservi)

Experience in cross-disciplinary research integration between science and exploration communities.
Established track record of collaborative partnerships with national and international stakeholders.
Expertise in using virtual collaboration technologies to manage geographically dispersed research teams.
Proven ability to mentor professional practitioners and influence scientific field development.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Generous retirement programs including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework options.
✓Access to NASA’s world-class facilities and global scientific network.

💡 How to Apply Director, Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (Sservi) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Director, Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (Sservi) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the specific SL Evaluation Criteria thoroughly.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages, detailing your experience and addressing the SL criteria.
Complete the online application questionnaire within the USAJOBS portal.
Upload required documentation, ensuring all sensitive personal information is redacted.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Draft your resume in your own words; do not copy duty descriptions from the job announcement to avoid disqualification for plagiarism.
Ensure your resume explicitly lists degree majors and universities to meet the positive education requirement.
Clearly label your federal experience with series, grade, and pay plan if applicable.
Use PDF format for your resume and keep it strictly to the two-page limit.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the SSERVI Director role?

The Director provides strategic scientific direction and oversight for research teams studying the Solar System, ensuring their work advances both planetary science and NASA’s human exploration goals.

Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, supporting the virtual and geographically dispersed nature of the Institute.

What is the geographic location for this position?

This role is based at the Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

This position is advertised concurrently to the public under a separate announcement. Please ensure you apply to the correct vacancy announcement.

Job from Ames Research Center

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an agency united by a shared passion for exploration. At the Ames Research Center, our work pushes the boundaries of engineering, science, and mission design. SSERVI, in particular, represents our commitment to virtual collaboration, connecting researchers across the globe to advance our understanding of the formation, evolution, and future of the Solar System.