Physical Scientist

Duties
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As a Physical Scientist at the GS-1301-15 some of your typical work assignments may include:

The position requires the individual to act as a subject matter expert in physical sciences, such as applied physics and chemistry, to guide the development of advanced technology prototypes for detection, protection, modeling, and hazard mitigation of chemical and biological threats. Key duties include:

• Directs the formulation, development, implementation, and dissemination of DTRA's research and development efforts involving shock-related nuclear weapons effects and provides technical expertise on these matters
• Manages and coordinates efforts that address the shock-related nuclear weapons effects needs of DTRA and the Department of War (DoW) and involves the activities of numerous other government, commercial, and academic organizations
• Oversees the development of user-oriented shock-related nuclear weapons effects computer codes to aid non-technical Senior decision makers evaluate acquisition and operational plans
• Serves as scientific advisor to DTRA superiors, staff, and other DoW services/agencies on all shock-related nuclear weapons effects matters
• Prepares budget estimates, provides for continuity of effort, and reviews service proposals and proposals from commercial research and development firms in support of shock-related nuclear weapons effects phenomenology and related system impacts

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Overtime: Occasionally
• Tour of Duty: Flexible
• Recruitment Incentives: Subject to approval
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
• Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance and access to North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information, and Restricted Data information.
• Overtime/compensatory time may be required to accommodate operational needs of the organization.
• Must consent to and pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to periodic random drug testing thereafter.
• Travel, including international, in the performance of temporary assignments may be required up to 10% of duty time.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
• The employee must be willing to comply with each Combatant Command (COCOM) travel medical requirement to include vaccinations.
• May be subject to random DoD counterintelligence scope polygraph if assigned to programs or duty locations that have such a requirement.
• Incumbent is required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE 450, upon entering the position, annually, and upon termination of employment, in accordance with DOD Directive 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation, August 30, 1993.
• This is an Acquisition Workforce position in the Engineering and Technical Management (ETM) functional area: Will be required to become certified at the ETM Foundational tier within 3 years and the ETM Practitioner tier within 5 years.
• The incumbent is required to acquire a minimum of 40 continuous learning points (CLPs) every fiscal year as a goal with 80 CLPs being mandatory within 2 years.

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS 15 , if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service, military or private sector:

• Creating, coordinating and executing large research, development, test and evaluation programs to successful outcomes
• Translating basic scientific principles into capabilities for non-technical Senior decision makers
• Building, directing and guiding multi-functional and multi-national teams to successful outcomes
• Managing financial resources to achieve fiscal goals in a timely manner, including adjusting plans based on emerging requirements

In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1301, series as listed below:

• Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
• Combination of education and experience - education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

Other Notes:

ACQUISITION POSITION: This is an Acquisition Workforce position in the Program Management functional area. The incumbent will be required to become certified in the Practitioner tier within 5 years. The incumbent is required to acquire a minimum of 40 continuous learning points (CLPs) every fiscal year as a goal and 80 CLPs being mandatory within 2 years.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements: Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses

RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT: This position DOES NOT meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Who Needs to Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov) )