Space Radiation Scientist (NASA HHPC)

Description

The Space Radiation Analysis Group (SRAG) is seeking an experienced radiation scientist or analyst to support astronaut space radiation exposure assessment, risk modeling, and communication across exploration programs, including the International Space Station (ISS), Artemis, and Mars reference missions. This role requires expertise in space radiation dosimetry, transport modeling, radiation biology, and evidence-based human health risk assessment. The successful candidate will apply scientific and computational skills to characterize radiation exposures, assess health risks, and develop strategies to ensure astronaut safety and mission success.

Must be able to obtain a Public Trust Security Clearance; due to contract requirements, U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency are required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serve as a subject matter expert on space radiation health risks, including cancer, CNS, cardiovascular, acute, and degenerative effects.
• Direct and manage reviews of radiation health outcome evidence and countermeasure research.
• Evaluate, synthesize, and present multidisciplinary findings relevant to astronaut risk models and international guidelines (NCRP, ICRP, BEIR, UNSCEAR).
• Maintain and curate a structured literature and evidence database for NASA and partner teams.
• Translate biological and epidemiological research into operational risk frameworks and mitigation strategies.
• Perform astronaut radiation exposure analyses for ISS, Artemis, and other missions.

Operational & Communication Responsibilities:

• Develop and present outreach materials and technical communications on emerging space radiation research.
• Translate real-time space environment data into operational guidance during nominal, alert, and contingency radiation events.
• Assist Space Environment Officers in flight rule development.
• Provide group training on space radiation health risks.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Energetic and positive attitude with learning agility and self-direction.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent analyses.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical results to diverse audiences.
• Critical and creative thinking, with demonstrated ability to synthesize across disciplines (physics, biology, medicine).
• Consensus-building skills within cross-functional NASA and contractor teams.

Required Education & Experience:

• Master's degree in Physics, Radiation Health, Medical Physics, or a related discipline with 1 year of experience; or Ph.D. in a related field with 0.5 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience with radiation transport tools (e.g., HZETRN, GEANT4, FLUKA, MCNP).
• Working knowledge of space radiation dosimetry and exposure assessment methodologies.

Desired Education and Experience:

• Advanced graduate degree in Radiation Biophysics/Biology.
• Familiarity with tools such as Analytica, Zotero, Confluence, and computational languages (FORTRAN, C++, MATLAB, Python).
• Comprehensive understanding of NRC, NCRP, ICRP, BEIR, and UNSCEAR guidelines.
• Knowledge of radiation-induced cancer risk assessment methods, SEER databases, and foundational literature on radiation cancer risk models.

Join SRAG and contribute to groundbreaking research and operational strategies that ensure astronaut safety and advance human space exploration!

Come break things (in a good way). Then build them smarter.

We're the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We don't wear capes (they're a safety hazard), but we do solve high-stakes problems with code, caffeine, and a healthy disregard for "how it's always been done."

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

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Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.