Staff Scientist

Vast is looking for a Staff Scientist, reporting to the Vice President of Mission Management, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This person will serve as a senior technical leader within the company’s science organization. This role will lead strategic science initiatives and coordinate research programs aligned with Vast’s long-term research roadmap.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

Support execution of the Vast science strategy and align scientific opportunities with company research roadmaps

Lead development and management of complex spaceflight research programs

Engage directly with external scientists, international partners, and payload providers to develop flight research opportunities

Collaborate with NASA programs including Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS)

Human Research Program (HRP), and Mars Campaign Office (MCO)

Translate terrestrial research concepts into viable spaceflight experiments in collaboration with payload providers and engineering teams

Maintain institutional scientific integrity including appropriate scientific review and ethics oversight for human and payload research

Represent Vast in scientific conferences, panels, and industry forums

Provide leadership and mentorship to internal science teams

Support vehicle laboratory development and research capability expansion

Minimum Qualifications:

Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in an empiric science or professional field

Minimum 12 years experience managing scientific research programs

Extensive experience integrating science into spaceflight environments such as ISS or similar platforms

Experience leading multidisciplinary scientific teams or programs

Strong experience working with human research or life sciences ethics frameworks

Preferred Skills & Experience:

PhD strongly preferred

Experience collaborating with NASA research programs such as Biological and Physical Sciences or Human Research Program

Experience managing international research collaborations

Strong reputation within the research community

Experience designing orbital research laboratories or flight payload systems

Demonstrated leadership in scientific program development

Additional Requirements:

Ability to travel up to 40% of the time

Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Ability to represent the company in external scientific forums and conferences

Pay Range: California

$159,900—$210,000 USD