Pharmacologist

Summary

This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Diversion Control Division, Office of Diversion Control Operations, Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Drug Control Unit (DOEP). This position(s) primary purpose is to plan, direct, and evaluate programs for all drug and chemical control efforts.

Duties

• As a Pharmacologist, your typical work assignments may include: Serving as senior scientific advisor in pharmacology and related biological and physical sciences as applied to the implementation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Collecting and evaluating scientific articles and preparing reports concerning the pharmacological action of potential controlled substances and/or the application of new technology for their control for publication in agency, government, or scientific journals; or for presentation at scientific meetings. Providing scientific leadership in complex and/or specialized diversion studies, presenting significant drug issues on behalf of the agency. Serving as authority on drug schedules and substances of abuse and misuse with strong knowledge of uses, both legal and/or illegal. Representing and advocating on behalf of the DEA to ensure the goals and objectives of diversion control are taken into consideration.

Qualifications

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application. Basic Qualification Requirements: The basic requirement for this position requires a degree with a major in an appropriate biological, medical veterinary, or physical science, or in pharmacy that included at least 30 semester hours in chemistry and physiology and 12 semester hours in pharmacology. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Applicants applying for the GS-13 must meet one of the following requirements: Have at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience that is at least equivalent in difficulty and complexity to work performed at the GS-12 grade level. Specialized 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. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: GS-13: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:1) advising on pharmacology, related biological sciences or physical sciences to resolve problems; 2) conducting research to identify short and long-term effects of drugs and/or chemicals; 3) managing a drug and/or chemical database system; and 4) preparing scientific reports for publication or presentation in meetings. Applicants applying for the GS-14 must meet the following requirement: GS-14: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties:1) serving as scientific advisor in pharmacology and related biological and physical sciences as applied to the implementation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA); 2) developing presentations articulating agency regulation or policy; 3) providing medical/scientific perspective regarding the adverse impact of drug compounds or substances; and 4) serving as an expert witness in court regarding the impact of drug abuse and misuse as it relates to public health and safety. Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.

Education

See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members. If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

How to apply

Prepare your application in USAJOBS To start your application, click Apply and the system will provide guidance on how to attach a resume and any required documents. During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process. STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS. STEP 2: Submit your resume. Resume must not exceed two pages. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions. STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section. Alternate Application Procedures If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.