Senior Scientist

The Senior Scientist at Vast plays a pivotal role in managing and integrating science projects for our ambitious space initiatives. Responsibilities include developing the scientific vision for research programs, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, and overseeing experiments aboard our upcoming space station. Strong collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and external partners is essential for success in this role.

Vast requires a Senior Scientist to hold a Master's degree or higher in an empirical science or related field, along with a minimum of 10 years of experience in integrating science projects, particularly with the International Space Station (ISS) or comparable environments. It’s also crucial to have a strong background in research publication and navigating human-animal research ethics.

The Senior Scientist at Vast will thrive in an innovative and collaborative environment, working alongside some of the brightest minds in the space exploration sector. Located in Long Beach, California, this role entails hands-on involvement in cutting-edge research while interfacing with crew members and partners throughout the space industry.

At Vast, a Senior Scientist can enjoy significant opportunities for professional growth. Through pioneering research projects and collaborations with universities and industry leaders, you'll deepen your expertise while contributing to space exploration. Additionally, our company culture encourages innovation, career development, and networking in the space research community.

The compensation for the Senior Scientist position at Vast ranges from $145,000 to $180,000, depending on experience and skills. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer full medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible PTO, paid parental leave, a 401(k) plan, and various wellness perks including mental health support and free snacks—supporting your well-being both on and off the clock.

In answering this question, focus on specific examples of past projects. Emphasize your role in navigating the complexities of science integrations, how you managed relationships with engineering teams, and any successes you achieved through collaboration and innovation.

Highlight your networking skills and past experiences in building strong professional relationships. Discuss strategies you have used to engage academic institutions, including outreach initiatives, collaborative projects, and securing funding opportunities that benefited mutual research goals.

Emphasize your comprehensive understanding of research ethics and the regulatory landscape. Discuss the protocols you've implemented in previous roles to ensure that all scientific activities comply with regulations and ethical considerations, showcasing your commitment to safety and quality in research.

Discuss your communication style and approaches in translating complex concepts into understandable insights. Provide examples of how you've successfully presented findings in accessible ways, such as through engaging presentations suited for diverse audiences.

Share a specific case study from your past experience. Describe the experiment’s objectives, methodology, outcomes, and what you learned from the process. Include any challenges faced and how you overcame them to ensure the experiment's success.

Illustrate your background in drafting and refining research protocols, highlighting the steps you've taken to align them with ethical guidelines. Provide a specific example where your protocol development enhanced project outcomes or guided a successful research initiative.

Talk about the resources you utilize for staying informed, such as journals, conferences, and professional networks. Share any industry events you participate in, and how continuing education has helped you evolve in your role as a scientist.

Identify key interpersonal skills like communication, flexibility, and the ability to listen and synthesize different viewpoints. Share experiences where you successfully led or contributed to interdisciplinary projects, focusing on how team dynamics improved outcomes.

Reflect on potential challenges such as funding limitations, ethical considerations, or technological barriers. Provide your insights about how to tackle these challenges through innovative problem-solving and collaboration within the scientific community.

Discuss your time management strategies, including prioritization techniques and the tools you use for project tracking. Highlight a specific example where you successfully managed multiple projects and how you ensured quality outcomes without sacrificing deadlines.