CASIS Job Opening: Chief Scientist
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory
The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) seeks a Chief Scientist to lead the scientific research and technology development for the U.S. National Laboratory aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The U.S. has invested about $130 billion into the construction and maintenance of the ISS and it would be the job of the Chief Scientist to leverage this striking investment in terms of promoting and supporting excellent science (biology, medicine, physics) and engineering opportunities. The overarching mission is to improve the lives of the American public by conducting research and developing technologies that will have important land-based applications, contribute to the success of the country’s commercial sectors and demonstrate that Low Earth Orbit can provide an important future growth segment for the US economy.
We are interested in recruiting a highly accomplished scientist or engineer to take this unique position of high national interest. The successful candidate will be an expert in a discipline relevant to the CASIS mission, while being capable of managing a broad portfolio of research programs that encompass the life sciences, physical sciences and engineering. The candidate should have an interest in and ability to frame and implement the strategic vision and research/technology agenda for the most effective utilization of the U.S. National Lab on the International Space Station.
The ISS offers striking opportunities for major cross-disciplinary and integrative projects in both science and engineering and, accordingly, the candidate should have experience in initiating and managing large projects. The Chief Scientist will lead the CASIS Science & Technology team in evaluating and catalyzing the ongoing studies and in developing new programs that will integrate ground and space studies, and the utilization of ISS research opportunities with the development of new technologies. In addition, the Chief Scientist will play a key role in developing and implementing the CASIS strategy of stimulating interest in and use of the ISS U.S. National Laboratory as a platform for research leading to translational and applied research for commercial and not-for-profit enterprises, other U.S. government agencies, and academic institutions.
The Chief Scientist will work closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Director on developing and implementing comprehensive programs that would target the visionary goals for improving life on Earth. They will expand the existing and build new strategic directions for improving health and wellness, fostering discovery in life sciences and physics, developing and testing new technologies and engineering opportunities, and utilizing the ISS for observations, humanitarian aid, and STEM education.
The space station offers unprecedented opportunities for research and commercialization, with fascinating prospects for close collaborations between academia, industry and the investment community. The Chief Scientist will work closely with the CASIS staff, the Board and partner organizations on the evaluation of new and ongoing science and technology projects and STEM initiatives for their potential impact and value creation. The Chief Scientist will also serve as the primary contact with the NASA ISS Chief Scientist to promote the collaborative effort between CASIS and NASA on developing the capabilities for science, technology and education, as well as an interface to Principal Investigators and commercial partners to support their research or technology development plans.
CASIS Mission
CASIS will be responsible for maximizing the value of the ISS to the nation by developing and managing a diversified R&D portfolio based on U.S. national needs for basic and applied research and by using the ISS as a venue for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational activities.
CASIS Goals
Stimulate, develop and manage the U.S. national uses of the ISS by other U.S. government agencies, academic institutions and private firms.
Develop tools and techniques to communicate the value of uses of the ISS National Laboratory and increase the return on the U.S. investment in the ISS.
CASIS Strategies and Objectives
Identify the unique capabilities of the ISS that provide breakthrough opportunities for non-NASA uses in science and applications, technology development, and STEM education, including but not limited to human health, biological sciences, biotechnology, biological research, energy and biofuels, physical and materials science and development, engineering research and technology development, and Earth and space imaging and observations.
Identify and prioritize the most promising research pathways, while ensuring diversity, without over-committing the resources of the ISS.
Interested candidates should submit CV, a brief synopsis of experience and interest: CASIS Board of Directors
Philip Schein, M.D.
Search Committee Chair
Philschein1@comcast.net
