Department: Health & Human Performance

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Description:

The University of Houston (UH) invites applicants for a non-tenure track Research Scientist position. The purpose of this position is to provide direct support to the NASA's Human Research Program (HRP), specifically, the HRP Space Radiation Element (SRE) Scientists, Discipline Scientists and Managers. HRP is a key component within the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate that is instrumental in carrying out NASA's Strategic Plan, by developing and delivering research findings, health countermeasures, and human systems technologies to support crews on missions to the Moon, Mars, or other destinations. The employee will serve as the HRP Space Radiation Element Discipline Scientist for Central Nervous System effects from spaceflight radiation exposure and associated spaceflight stressors. The current research emphasis is an integrated approach to spaceflight-induced CNS changes/decrements with the Risk of adverse cognitive or behavioral conditions and psychiatric disorders being led by the HRP Human Factors and Behavioral Performance Element. The employee will assist the Space Radiation Element Scientists to define and manage the associated research portfolio that addresses Risks and Gaps of the Space Radiation Element in order to optimize health and performance during future exploration space missions. The employee will use their scientific expertise to assist preparing research solicitations, review grant proposals, monitor funded investigators’ progress and evaluate final results and products. The employee will also assist the Space Radiation Element in effectively implementing its overall strategy and goals, integrating research plans and objectives across multiple HRP Elements, and ensuring relevancy to spaceflight operations. The employee will also support the SRE with omics initiatives which includes identifying, coordinating, comprehending and publishing results. The employee will complete their work onsite at NASA Johnson Space Center.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Assist the Space Radiation (SR) Element Scientists in preparing, implementing and managing a program of CNS effects from radiation exposure and spaceflight stressors research for addressing the Risks and Gaps that are part of the SR Element Plan.
• Engage internal and external Subject Matter Experts to assist the Space Radiation Element define research requirements, assess operational needs and relevance.
• Provide Subject Matter Expertise in the development and maintenance of the CNS and the Risk of adverse cognitive or behavioral conditions and psychiatric disorders evidence base, reports and presentations as needed, including preparing and updating the Evidence Reports
• Assist with facilitating research collaborations within the SR Element and across the other HRP Elements to meet the goals of HRP and the Space Radiation Element; apply a human systems approach and optimize resources.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of all investigations within the Space Radiation Element (HRP- and non-HRP funded tasks) that address space radiation-induced CNS decrements research gaps.
• Participate in defining and translating the SR Element’s requirements for spaceflight analog platforms (as applicable)
• Support the Element Managers and Scientists in developing a recommended procurement plan for the research and technology tasks necessary to carry out the space radiation-induced CNS decrements research portfolio
• Assist with developing research solicitations for NASA Research Announcements, and review grant proposals received to meet the Space Radiation Element’s defined research strategy and goals.
• Determine the need for, and coordinate the development of, directed task proposals seeking Element Scientist and Manager concurrence.
• Complete reviews of investigators’ Annual and Final Reports; assess the impacts of research results in closing CNS research gaps, identifying new knowledge and research gaps (if applicable) and the progress towards risk reduction.
• Represent the Space Radiation Element at various workshops, educational initiatives, summits, review panels, control boards, subject matter expert meetings, etc., as required.
• Participate, as needed, in transition of the SR Element research products to the appropriate spaceflight operations team.
• Provide scientific expertise and input to Space Radiation presentations, Element plans, technical reports and other Element documents, including the Human Research Roadmap, Path to Risk Reduction, Integrated Research Plan, etc.
• Provide scientific expertise and inputs for omics initiatives which includes identifying, coordinating, comprehending and publishing results.
• Participate in presenting program objectives, project updates and other reporting at meetings and scientific conferences.
• Support development of Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), workshops, reviews, and the annual HRP Investigator’s Workshop (IWS).
• Represent the SR Element in multidisciplinary working groups.

Qualifications
• Ph.D. degree in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Physics or related fields

Desired
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in CNS effects from spaceflight radiation exposure and associated spaceflight stressors.
• Prior experience with preforming, managing, coordinating and/or directing NASA funded research
• Prior experience managing, coordinating and directing research projects

Required Attachments by Candidate
Curriculum Vitae