1

Heliophysics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We particularly seek applicants with experience in astrophysics, with (E)UV spectroscopy and imaging, astrophysics or heliophysics data systems, or visible/near-IR spectropolarimetry. Applicants ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Heliophysics information

What is heliophysics?

Heliophysics is the scientific study of the Sun and its interactions with the Earth and the rest of the solar system. This field examines solar phenomena like solar flares and solar wind, as well as their effects on space weather and planetary environments. Heliophysicists use observations from spacecraft, satellites, and ground-based instruments to better understand how solar activity impacts technologies, communications, and even life on Earth. The research in heliophysics is crucial for predicting space weather and protecting satellites, astronauts, and power grids from solar storms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Heliophysicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heliophysicist, you need a deep understanding of physics, mathematics, and space science, typically supported by an advanced degree (PhD) in physics, astronomy, or a related field. Experience with data analysis software (such as IDL, Python, or MATLAB), remote sensing instruments, and familiarity with NASA or ESA data systems are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills are vital for interpreting data and contributing to multidisciplinary research. These skills ensure effective investigation of solar phenomena and their impacts on space weather, which are crucial for protecting technology and advancing scientific knowledge.

What is the difference between Heliophysics vs Space Weather Scientist?

AspectHeliophysicsSpace Weather Scientist
Required CredentialsPhysics or space science degree, often with a focus on solar and space plasma physicsPhysics, space science, or atmospheric science degree, with emphasis on space weather phenomena
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, NASA, NOAA, space agenciesOperational centers, government agencies, research institutions, space agencies
Industry UsageAcademic research, space missions, scientific publicationsMonitoring and forecasting space weather impacts on technology and infrastructure

Heliophysics involves studying the Sun and its effects on the solar system, including plasma physics and solar phenomena. Space Weather Scientists focus on predicting and mitigating space weather impacts on satellites, power grids, and communication systems. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate, heliophysics is more research-oriented, whereas space weather science emphasizes practical forecasting and operational applications.

What are some common challenges faced by heliophysics researchers when working in interdisciplinary teams?

Heliophysics researchers often collaborate with professionals from fields like atmospheric science, data analytics, and computer modeling. One common challenge is effectively communicating complex solar and space weather concepts to colleagues with different scientific backgrounds. Additionally, integrating diverse data sets and methodologies requires flexibility and strong organizational skills. Overcoming these obstacles is essential for successful joint research projects and can lead to innovative discoveries in understanding the Sun-Earth connection.
More about Heliophysics jobs
What cities are hiring for Heliophysics jobs? Cities with the most Heliophysics job openings:
What states have the most Heliophysics jobs? States with the most job openings for Heliophysics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Heliophysics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Senior Project Support Specialist - NASA Headquarters

asrcfh

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site, Remote

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

ASRC Federal AFSS is a premier provider of systems engineering, software engineering, system integration, and project management services supporting mission-critical federal programs. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Project Support Specialist to support the Heliophysics Division (HPD) within NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C.

ย 

Job Description

The Senior Project Support Specialist provides expert-level project, program, and operational support to NASA's Heliophysics Division. This position supports a robust portfolio of flight missions and Division-wide initiatives through strategic coordination, program management, executive operations, technical assistance, and organizational planning.

Working closely with Division leadership, Program Executives, Program Scientists, and cross-functional stakeholders, the successful candidate will coordinate mission activities throughout the program lifecycle, facilitate executive communications, manage complex organizational priorities, and contribute to strategic planning efforts that advance NASA's Heliophysics mission portfolio.

Responsibilities

Program & Mission Support

  • Provide expert-level project, program, and operational support to the Heliophysics Division and its portfolio of flight missions.
  • Support strategic planning, development, implementation, mission transitions, technical milestone reviews, lifecycle reviews, and extended mission operations.
  • Coordinate Flight Program Reviews (FPRs), mission operations reviews, science team meetings, community of practice meetings, technical reviews, and cross-organizational briefings.
  • Track action items, deliverables, and operational planning activities to ensure timely completion of Division priorities.
  • Facilitate collaboration among Program Executives, Program Scientists, mission teams, and external stakeholders to align Division strategy with mission execution.

Executive & Operational Support

  • Independently manage complex calendars, scheduling priorities, and executive engagements to ensure leadership representation at critical meetings and events.
  • Coordinate domestic and international travel for Program Executives, including invitational travel, conference travel, foreign travel documentation, country clearances, Advanced Travel Notification Forms (ATNF), passport requirements, travel authorizations, and voucher processing in accordance with Federal regulations.
  • Provide onsite and virtual meeting support, including logistics coordination, conference room scheduling, audiovisual coordination, Webex/MS Teams support, agenda preparation, documentation, and action tracking.
  • Coordinate visitor requests, executive logistics, badging, and meeting prioritization for internal and external stakeholders.

Communications & Strategic Coordination

  • Draft executive briefing materials, weekly program highlights, Division reports, leadership presentations, and organizational communications.
  • Review, develop, edit, and route internal correspondence and documentation, including Quad Charts, Weekly Activity Reports (WARs), Flight Program Review documentation, Decision Memoranda, PAM packages, and other executive products to ensure compliance with NASA standards.
  • Prepare reports and communication products that support Division leadership decision-making and organizational awareness.
  • Support stakeholder engagement activities and facilitate communication across NASA Headquarters, NASA Centers, Federal agencies, academia, industry partners, and international collaborators.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

  • Evaluate and improve business processes, mission support tools, and operational workflows that enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Support modernization initiatives by recommending improvements to data management frameworks, reporting tools, automated reporting capabilities, and AI-enabled business processes.
  • Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process documentation, tracking systems, and organizational resources that improve efficiency and knowledge sharing.
  • Recommend innovative solutions that strengthen program execution, communication, and customer service across the Division.

Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience supporting complex project, program, or mission operations within a dynamic technical environment.
  • Strong project coordination, organizational planning, and analytical skills.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare executive-level reports, briefings, and correspondence.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple priorities while meeting competing deadlines.
  • Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with executive leadership, technical staff, scientists, engineers, and external stakeholders.
  • Experience coordinating executive meetings, technical reviews, conferences, workshops, and mission-related events.
  • Experience managing domestic and international travel utilizing Federal travel regulations.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to review technical and executive documentation for quality, consistency, and compliance.
  • Demonstrated initiative with the ability to anticipate organizational needs and recommend practical solutions.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Experience with NASA administrative systems such as CGE, HATS, STAR, NCTS, EVAMS, PAM, or similar enterprise systems is preferred.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment while handling sensitive, confidential, and pre-decisional information.
  • Must meet NASA suitability requirements.
  • Some travel may be required.
  • Experience supporting Federal programs, scientific organizations, aerospace programs, research initiatives, or technical mission environments is highly desirable.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree plus eight (8) years of related professional experience; or
  • Eleven (11) years of related professional experience in lieu of a degree.

Location

  • 3-4 days onsite
  • NASA Headquarters - 300 E Street SW, Washington, DC