At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is seeking a qualified candidate for a Senior Scientist, reporting to the Director of Space Medicine under Mission Operations. This role will support the solicitation, integration, training, and operations of Vast science and research projects. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
In this role, you will collaborate with our interdisciplinary team, interface with internal and external partners and customers, work with crew members, and contribute to the development of vehicle lab design, training materials, and protocols.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in developing and implementing the scientific vision and strategic direction for the company’s research programs in alignment with organizational goals. Including managing requests for proposals (RFPs) and working with the broader scientific community
- Lead and own the development of internal and external payload requirements and interface documentation
- Assist internal engineering and technical teams in science equipment selection and development of space station design and features.
- Own engineering requirements associated with research system development and utilization
- Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of scientific experiments and projects conducted aboard the space station, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards
- Establish and maintain partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry leaders to enhance research capabilities and funding opportunities
- Communicate research findings to internal and external stakeholders, including publishing results in scientific journals and presenting at conferences
- Ensure all scientific activities comply with relevant regulations, ethical standards, and organizational policies
Minimum Qualifications:
- Masters degree, equivalent, or higher in an empiric science or professional field (planetary science, biology, engineering, medical research, etc…)
- Minimum of 10 years experience with integrating science and research projects with ISS or similar
- Minimum 10 years experience with research publication (reviews and authorship)
- Minimum 5 years experience with navigating human and animal research ethics
- Minimum 5 years experience with science communication
- Strong knowledge of research and science ethics
- Familiarity with engineering processes
- Familiarity with Human and Animal research practices
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Detailed knowledge of orbital crew science laboratories such as the International Space Station or equivalent
- Experience building and designing labs and selecting equipment in remote environments
- Strong understanding of the space industry, including current trends and challenges in space exploration and research
- Research interests and publications in the spaceflight arena
- Ability to make independent judgments with limited information
- Pre-existing relationships with researchers, universities, and industry
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams to solve complex problems
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
- Passion for innovation and a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and applications in space
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to travel up to 40% of the time
- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Salary Range: California
$145,000—$180,000 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Top Skills
Vast Long Beach, California, USA Office
2851 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA, United States, 90755
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