How do I get a chemistry job in NASA?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenges and considerations for obtaining a chemistry job at NASA, particularly from the perspective of a non-US citizen. It explores qualifications, job market competition, and the nature of NASA's hiring practices.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong desire to work at NASA and questions what qualifications are necessary, especially as a non-US citizen.
  • Several participants note that NASA jobs are highly competitive, even for well-qualified US citizens, due to a large number of applicants.
  • It is mentioned that there is an oversupply of job candidates for NASA positions, which contributes to the difficulty in securing employment there.
  • One participant suggests that while jobs in the US may be accessible for those with an ACS accredited Chemistry degree and a good GPA, positions at NASA and government labs are particularly challenging to obtain.
  • Concerns are raised about funding cuts to NASA programs, which may lead to fewer job opportunities.
  • A participant shares their strategy of gaining experience through internships, including one at a nuclear research facility, as a way to enhance their qualifications for future applications.
  • There is a question about whether NASA contracts out research, with a response indicating that contracted work is often more focused on development rather than pure research.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the competitive nature of NASA job applications and the impact of funding on job availability. However, there are differing views on the effectiveness of studying chemistry alone as a pathway to employment at NASA.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific qualifications needed for non-US citizens and the implications of funding cuts on job availability. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and strategies without reaching a consensus on the best approach to securing a job at NASA.

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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