I applied in-person. I interviewed at NASA (Mountain View, CA)
Interview
Presentation to the team and post presentation questions. It went smoothly. Most of the researchers had complimentary skills. The group was looking for someone with the exact instrumentation skills that I happened to have.
I applied in-person. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at NASA in Jan 2010
Interview
Contacted a person with same interest and same background, and asked about research opportunities. Exchanged emails and met for an informal discussion. Discussed current projects and was told at the end that he/she wanted to hire me.