How do I get a chemistry job in NASA?

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SUMMARY

Securing a job at NASA is highly competitive, particularly for non-US citizens and even for those with an ACS accredited Chemistry degree and a strong GPA. The oversupply of candidates and reduced funding for NASA programs contribute to the difficulty in obtaining these positions. Internships, such as those at nuclear research facilities, provide valuable experience and exposure to technical work, which can enhance a candidate's profile. Additionally, many NASA research projects are contracted out, focusing more on development than pure research.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ACS accredited Chemistry degrees
  • Familiarity with the job application process for government positions
  • Knowledge of the current funding landscape for NASA programs
  • Experience in internships related to chemistry or technical fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Research internship opportunities in nuclear research facilities
  • Explore contracting opportunities for NASA research projects
  • Investigate the impact of government funding on NASA job availability
  • Network with professionals in the aerospace and chemistry sectors
USEFUL FOR

Graduating chemistry students, aspiring NASA employees, and individuals seeking internships in technical fields related to chemistry and aerospace.

xhera
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Getting into NASA would be my greatest achievement.
Presently, I am a chemistry graduating student.
Do I need to study something to get qualified there?
(I am not a US citizen)
 
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NASA jobs are tough to get even for highly qualified US citizens.
 
Dr. Courtney said:
NASA jobs are tough to get even for highly qualified US citizens.

why? can you give me an insight?
 
Lots of people want to work at NASA. There is an oversupply of job candidates.

In general, for people with permission to work in the US, getting jobs with an ACS accredited Chemistry degree and a good GPA is not difficult.

But the jobs at NASA and the government labs are in high demand, and harder to get.

NASA programs are also not being funded as strongly as in the past, which means fewer jobs.
 
Dr. Courtney said:
Lots of people want to work at NASA. There is an oversupply of job candidates.

In general, for people with permission to work in the US, getting jobs with an ACS accredited Chemistry degree and a good GPA is not difficult.

But the jobs at NASA and the government labs are in high demand, and harder to get.

NASA programs are also not being funded as strongly as in the past, which means fewer jobs.
That's why I just don't trust studying chemistry alone could get me higher.
I agree, most of the government offices (not just labs) I have come across had been cutting everything down.

Then I shall start with the supporting companies.
I am actually taking advantage of being an intern as to earn experience, and exposure to technical stuffs as a preparation.
Presently, I just got another internship at a nuclear research facility.

I heard that some NASA's researches are contracted out.
Is it true?
 
xhera said:
I heard that some NASA's researches are contracted out.
Is it true?

Usually the stuff that is contracted out is more development than pure research, but a lot of that is contracted out.
 

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