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Heliophysics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Physical Scientist, AST, Science Program Management (Direct Hire)

US National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Bay Saint Louis, MS โ€ข On-site

$125K/yr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

The Heliophysics Division leads the study of the Sun's impact on the space environment at Earth and across the solar system, including space weather to safeguard infrastructure and enable exploration. NASA is developing cutting edge capability to predict risks from solar radiation and geomagnetic storms. NASA seeks an AST, Space Weather Program Scientist and an AI/Data Program Scientist to lead research and missions characterizing hazards in space and securing our future among the stars.Qualifications: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-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level:
  • Supporting funded research programs through the development and implementation of projects, with research experience documented in established professional publications/journals;
  • Reviewing proposals and written requests from various agencies and entities;
  • Coordinating research activities and applications across scientific disciplines with government, academic, and industry partners

To qualify for GS-15, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level:
  • Leading funded research programs in the development and implementation of projects with credible research experience documented in established professional publications/journals;
  • Assessing proposals and/or written requests from various agencies and/or entities;
  • Managing the coordination of research and/or applications for various scientific disciplines among multiple entities such as government, academia, and industry.
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.Education:Basic Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with a major in one of the following:
a) Engineering from a college or university that has ABET accredited engineering programs
b) Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science or other field of Science
c) Computer Science that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in any combination of mathematics, statistics and computer science with at least half of those hours in mathematics and statistics courses that included differential and integral calculus; and that provided an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of computer science, including digital computer system architecture and system software organization, the representation and transformation of information structures, and the theoretical models for such representations and transformations.
If you did not complete a qualifying bachelor's degree, you may be eligible if you have obtained a graduate degree in an AST qualifying field, as listed above.
Degrees in engineering technology are not considered qualifying for this position.
Engineering degrees earned within the United States: Engineering degrees earned within the United States must be from a college or university that has at least one ABET accredited engineering program. To find out if a school has at least one ABET accredited program, please visit http://www.abet.org.
Engineering degrees earned outside the United States: Engineering degrees earned outside the United States must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), often known as accords. These are non-governmental agreements among organizations that accredit academic degree programs. MRAs recognize the substantial equivalence of mature accreditation systems and programs accredited by signatory organizations within their jurisdictions. For a listing of Signatories, please visit, https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/.
Science and other related degrees earned within the United States: Science and other related degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Science and other related degrees earned outside the United States: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.Employment Type: OTHER