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Visiting Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Visiting Scientist information

What are the typical expectations and responsibilities for a Visiting Scientist during their appointment?

Visiting Scientists are generally expected to contribute specialized expertise to ongoing research projects, collaborate closely with resident researchers, and share their knowledge through presentations or seminars. While day-to-day tasks vary depending on the host institution and field, responsibilities often include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings. Visiting Scientists frequently work on short- to medium-term assignments and are encouraged to foster new collaborations, bringing fresh perspectives to the team's work. Flexibility and strong communication skills are important, as the role often involves adapting to new environments and building professional relationships quickly.

What is the difference between Visiting Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectVisiting ScientistResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a PhD or equivalent in a relevant fieldUsually holds a PhD or similar advanced degree
Work EnvironmentTemporary position, often in academic or research institutionsPermanent or long-term role in industry or academia
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research labs, academic collaborationsCorporations, research institutes, academia
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding short-term research roles, academic collaborationsLong-term research roles, career development

The main difference between a Visiting Scientist and a Research Scientist lies in the duration and purpose of their roles. Visiting Scientists are typically temporary researchers collaborating with institutions, often for specific projects or periods. Research Scientists usually hold permanent positions focused on ongoing research and development within their organizations. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their employment terms and environments differ significantly.

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

Thriving as a Visiting Scientist requires a strong academic background, advanced research skills, and often a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and sometimes field-specific certifications are typically necessary. Excellent communication, collaboration, and adaptability are crucial for integrating into new research environments and contributing effectively. These skills enable Visiting Scientists to drive impactful research, foster innovation, and build valuable professional networks during their appointment.

What is a Visiting Scientist?

A Visiting Scientist is a researcher or academic who temporarily joins an institution or organization to collaborate on research projects, share expertise, or learn new techniques. These positions are usually short-term and can last from a few months to a couple of years. Visiting Scientists often contribute to advancing the host institution's research goals while also gaining access to unique resources and professional networks. This role is common in universities, government labs, and private research organizations.
More about Visiting Scientist jobs
What states have the most Visiting Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Visiting Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Visiting Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

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

US National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$93K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

You will serve as a Physical Scientist within the Science and Technology Office designing and conducting scientific investigations, analyzing complex physical data, and contributing research supporting mission objectives. You will develop proposals, document findings, and collaborate across disciplines to advance scientific understanding and provide technical insight for NASA programs.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-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level:
  • Executing scientific investigations that require adapting established analytical or experimental approaches to address unique research questions;
  • Developing technical sections of proposals, study plans, or mission support analyses used by project leadership in decision making; and
  • Preparing technical reports, scientific summaries, or presentations synthesizing research results for diverse audiences.
To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:
  • Conducting scientific investigations that involved planning, designing, or evaluating physical science studies to address novel or atypical research questions, such as adapting analytical or experimental approaches to generate meaningful results;
  • Developing technical proposals, study plans, or scientific documentation used to inform program or project decision making, such as preparing analyses, reports, or recommendations that contribute to mission, research, or technical objectives; and
  • Leading or serving as a principal contributor on multidisciplinary scientific or technical efforts by synthesizing data, resolving conflicting information, or producing findings that shaped project direction or supported the refinement of theories, criteria, or methods.
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