Physical Scientist

These positions are to be filled under the OPM Government-Wide Direct Hire Authority Certain STEM Positions for grades GS 11-15. This public notice announces the use of the Direct Hire Authority in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3327 and 3330 and 5 CFR 330.

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.

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.

A qualified candidate’s online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for these positions is defined as meeting at least 2 of 4 of the following:

You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS‑09). The following activities satisfy the requirement:

• Utilizing basic scientific techniques, procedures, and methods to provide support in the planning, development or implementation for components of assigned programs/projects;
• Carrying out, interpreting, and explaining basic studies to evaluate program or project performance;
• Preparing parts of reports or written evaluations to explain and convey findings related to scientific programs, projects, or processes;
• Assisting in identifying and resolving scientific issues which could have an impact on the program/project.

OR

Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree; education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work (degree in physical science, engineering, mathematics or a similarly related major).

OR

Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (credit hours beyond the first two years of full‑time study may be credited).

You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS‑11). The following activities satisfy the requirement:

• Applying scientific practices to research, analyze, interpret, and evaluate results of programs, projects, or processes;
• Planning and conducting scientific studies to evaluate and recommend ways to improve program or process efficiency;
• Performing and interpreting calculations, analyses, and computations to develop recommendations for coordinating projects or programs in an efficient and cost‑effective manner; and
• Drafting reports or written evaluations to explain and convey findings related to scientific programs, projects, or processes.

• Applying advanced scientific practices to research, analyze, interpret, and evaluate results of programs, projects, or processes;
• Planning and conducting complex scientific studies that included determining the relevancy and use of aesthetic, factual, economic/financial, engineering, or scientific information, in order to evaluate and recommend ways to improve program or process efficiency;
• Performing and interpreting calculations, analyses, and computations that involved unknown factors or relationships to develop recommendations for coordinating projects or programs in an efficient and cost‑effective manner; and
• Reviewing scientific reports or written evaluations to ensure quality and accuracy.

• Analyzing the application of experimental scientific theories and/or new applications and developments for research and development;
• Devising, customizing, overseeing, and/or evaluating specialized scientific systems, processes, and applications related to the energy industry;
• Developing requirements, long term goals, objectives, and schedules for the accomplishment of applied research and development, and deployment of technologies or methodologies;
• Preparing,…