The discussion centers on the hiring practices at NASA, particularly regarding the roles of physicists compared to engineers and astrobiologists. It highlights a perception that NASA primarily hires engineers, with fewer positions available for physicists. However, it is noted that individuals with physics degrees can qualify for many engineering roles, even if the titles suggest otherwise. The conversation clarifies that NASA is not primarily a basic research lab; most research conducted using telescopes like Hubble and James Webb is performed at academic institutions rather than NASA itself. An astrophysicist contributing to the discussion mentions their employment funded by NASA, indicating that physicists do have roles within the agency, albeit less prominently featured in job listings.
