PHYSICAL SCIENTIST

Summary

This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Duties

• As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST at the GS-1301-14 some of your typical work assignments may include: Translate highly complex customer and end-user capabilities/vulnerabilities into actionable technical objectives for soliciting advanced scientific S&T research for chemical and biological detection. Serve as an authoritative subject matter expert for all phases of chemical and biological detection solutions, delivering early-warning capabilities to the warfighter. Lead the development and technical validation of fieldable chemical and biological detection prototypes. Coordinate, setting rigorous scientific standards for, and review multi-faceted R&D efforts conducted across diverse geographic locations, contractor sites, academic institutions, and federal laboratories. Provide senior executive-level technical advice to the RD-CBPD Branch Chief and RD-CBP Division Director across a broad spectrum of physical and life sciences, including but not limited to applied physics, physical/analytical/organic chemistry, cheminformatics, microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Drive the execution of high-priority S&T investments utilizing advanced portfolio management tools and collaborative stakeholder engagement. Conceive, plan, conduct, and review pioneering work in chemical and biological detection, especially in highly novel scientific areas with limited existing theoretical frameworks. Perform technological forecasting, evaluate research achievements, and assess the strategic impact of scientific breakthroughs. Maintain comprehensive oversight of assigned portfolios to ensure absolute compliance with policy, budget, and DTRA mission priorities, while hitting strict obligation and expenditure targets. Help develop highly visible, authoritative inputs for critical agency reports, including the annual Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) Report to Congress. Coordinate and integrate technical aspects of detection programs across the DTRA R&D Directorate, Joint Staff, Service laboratories, Combatant Commands (CCDRs), and contracting agencies. Represent the Branch and Division during high-level technical briefings, conferences, and program reviews, articulating progress and addressing technical challenges before senior DoD leadership. Direct critical administrative and financial components of program execution, to include generating Statements of Work (SOWs), Procurement Requests (PRs), and official program budget submissions.

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS 14 , if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the 13 grade level in the Federal service, military, or private sector: Serving as an authoritative expert and senior program manager, creating novel and innovative research solicitations, leading complex technical projects, managing the financial and programmatic execution of projects, and delivering advanced chemical and biological detection technologies that address critical joint warfighter requirements Utilizing technical and scientific expertise with advanced acquisition and programmatic knowledge to drive revolutionary technology development modernizing how agency actively address, detect, and mitigate evolving chemical and biological threats Generating long-term S&T strategies and managing complex research and development portfolios within fiscal constraints Leveraging interagency, academic, and international network to forge strategic partnerships, align shared goals, and eliminate duplication of effort. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. 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: A. 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. Or B. 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.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. NOTE: Resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://www.usajobs.gov, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13045735 Please review the General Application Information and Definitions at: https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d As required by 5 C.F.R. § 302.106., DLA will provide Section 508 conformant ICT to employees with disabilities. All ICT interfaces with the public related to vacancy announcements and career transition opportunities must conform to the applicable requirements in the current ICT Standards and Guidelines (36 C.F.R. § 1194).