provided by the pilot

Looking for new experiences, opportunities to develop new skills and broaden your network? Learn more about NASA’s Rotation Program for Scientists pilot service here.

Rotation program background, description and purpose

One of the recommendations from the 2021 Science Workforce Study was to create an institution-wide scientist rotation program to further enhance employee development. A cross-institutional team was formed to research and develop the pilot program. You are now ready to start your pilot service.

The Rotation Program for Scientists allows scientists to be temporarily rotated to another organization as a fulfilling experience to broaden their knowledge, skills and horizons. Rotation opportunities are designed with flexibility in mind. May be full-time or part-time, virtual or onsite. A hybrid approach is also an option. Based on the needs of the host institution and the nature of the opportunity, the duration of the assignment could range from six months to one year.

To kick off the pilot, the following rotation opportunities are advertised through NASA’s Talent Marketplace for Civil Service Scientists. Search for ‘rotation’ to see all opportunities.

Program benefits

A pilot offering will test the rotation program concept, highlight lessons learned, and determine long-term viability, including funding needs. Although the pilot is limited to civil servant scientists, the long-term goal is to explore the possibility of opening the program to non-civil servant scientists. Lessons learned during the pilot will help shape a broader, more sustainable and inclusive program in the future.

Rotation programs benefit all participating individuals, host organizations and institutions.

Participant benefits

Why would you want to take advantage of the rotation opportunity?

Scientists often feel “stuck” in their role. Many feel they lack the experience that will help them grow in their careers, especially for promotion to senior management, or they feel isolated at the Center, with no connection to the wider NASA community. There is a possibility. Rotation programs offer the advantage of trying something different for a limited period of time, taking advantage of the safety net of returning to your home organization. It’s an opportunity to improve your skills, knowledge and expertise while being exposed to new organizations, new ways of doing business and possibly different jobs. Rotational experiences broaden networks, improve collaboration across organizations, and establish a foundation for continued collaboration in the future.

Benefits for the host organization

Hosting another center’s employees has many advantages.

• Resolve temporary staffing shortages without billets. Rotating employees can be an ideal solution for short-term, self-limiting projects that are understaffed.
• Provides added expertise and a fresh eye on a specific project or program. We all know that diversity and inclusion drive innovation. This also applies to the diversity of ideas and backgrounds offered by rotation programs.
• Stimulate additional collaboration opportunities. In times of shrinking budgets, building a relationship with another center/organization will allow you to leverage the capabilities and save.
• Strengthen your relationship with another center or organization.

Perhaps the most important benefit is that the cross-pollination of ideas and experience catalyzes innovation. The temporary addition of an “outsider” can revitalize the team, give impetus to new approaches to old problems, and revitalize the corporate spirit.

Benefits of Home Organization

Rotation program scientists return to their home base after 6 to 12 months. They bring back new perspectives and new ways of doing business learned elsewhere and connect with other teams that may generate new projects and programs. By enabling scientists to broaden their exposure and experience, Home organizations can:

• Expand your capabilities and sow the seeds for future career growth.
• Further strengthen successionism for future leadership roles by enabling employees to gain deeper and more diverse experiences.
• You are encouraged to increase opportunities for collaboration.
• Acquire an experienced individual ready for the next step in their career.

mission statement

Offer NASA’s scientific workforce opportunities to grow professionally and develop careers through rotation programs in other organizations, broadening your knowledge, skills, and perspectives.

Vision

A future where NASA employees share knowledge, skills, and best practices to deepen our understanding of our planet and our universe.

Funding Rotation Programs

Host organizations are expected to fund rotation scientists unless otherwise negotiated.

Accessibility statement

We are committed to making this rotation program as accessible as possible, especially for people with disabilities. If you are seeking reasonable accommodation to apply for a rotation opportunity or to perform essential functions for the opportunity you are applying for, please review NASA’s Reasonable Accommodation for instructions.

For more information about this pilot program, please contact Juana Sosa at juana.e.sosa@nasa.gov or (301) 286-6229.