As the NASA Antarctic Meteorite Curator within the Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), you will lead the documentation, allocation, and security of the portion of the US Antarctic Meteorite Collection housed at NASA JSC. You will perform curation activities in support of the US Antarctic Meteorite Collection and other existing and emerging collections as required.
In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Performing sample characterization and/or assisting with sample curation activities in accordance with established protocols; Contributing to scientific research efforts on astromaterials, such as petrology, mineralogy, spectroscopy, and geochemical investigations; Performing scientific research or technical tasks involving data analysis and formulation of recommendations. To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level: Planning and executing sample characterization and/or sample curation activities, such as handling and manipulation of astromaterials, including meteorites; Conducting scientific research on astromaterials, such as petrology, mineralogy, spectroscopy, and geochemical investigations; Leading or coordinating scientific research or technical tasks involving data integration and providing recommendations for informed decision making. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.
Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
Lead and oversee the documentation, allocation, security, and reporting for the portion of the US Antarctic Meteorite Collection housed at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC).
Oversee requirements for curation procedures, documentation and databasing, and sample allocations etc., as needed.
Lead coordination efforts with the Astromaterials Allocation Review Board (AARB) to review scientific requests to study samples, enabling the best science results for the requestors and preservation of the collection for future planetary scientists.
Liaise with scientific requestors of Antarctic meteorites to answer questions and provide guidance on sample availability, suitability, and the request process. Oversee community resources, such as meteorite bibliographies and compendia.
Lead advanced curation research that supports the curation of the portion of the US Antarctic Meteorite Collection housed at NASA JSC and work with other collection Curators to develop enhanced curation capabilities.
Support the Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office by representing the US Antarctic Meteorite Collection and the broader Curation Office in public forums and by leading the advancement of curation priorities.
Provide service and leadership to JSC, NASA, and the broader scientific community, including public engagement, peer review, and other mission-critical contributions.