Physical Scientist Job in Washington, DC

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include:

• Experience providing basic level analysis in support of program and policy development based on evaluation of packaging systems, material science and testing (destructive and nondestructive), failure analysis and fracture mechanics.
• Experience performing basic scientific studies, making calculations, analyzes plans and specifications and presenting recommendations pertaining to the suitability of packaging for the safe containment of hazardous materials in transportation.
• Basic knowledge of transportation regulations, packaging systems, material science and testing (destructive and nondestructive), failure analysis and fracture mechanics.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have:
3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
You can also qualify based on a combination of higher-level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

• Experience providing analysis and recommendations regarding program and policy development based on evaluation of packaging systems, material science and testing (destructive and nondestructive), failure analysis and fracture mechanics.
• Experience in providing technical support in the development of regulatory standards, compliance guidance, test methods, and criteria to evaluate the types and degrees of hazards and risk associated with the transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience.

To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include:

• Experience, with guidance of higher-level supervision, providing technical expertise to develop regulatory standards, compliance guidance, test methods, and criteria to evaluate the types and degrees of hazards and risk associated with the transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials.
• Experience performing scientific studies, making calculations, analyzing plans and specifications and making authoritative recommendations pertaining to the suitability of packaging for the safe containment of hazardous materials in transportation containing radioactive and nuclear materials.
• Experience providing the U.S. delegation to the International Atomic Energy Agency with expert opinions underlying U.S. positions on proposed new standards regarding the classification, packaging and testing of packaging for radioactive and nuclear materials.

To qualify for the GS-14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:

• Experience providing technical expertise to develop regulatory standards, compliance guidance, test methods, and criteria to evaluate the types and degrees of hazards and risk associated with the transportation of radioactive and nuclear
• Experience performing a variety of complex studies and calculations on proposals for new types of packaging, analytical evaluations of the containment integrity of packaging, and calculations to develop new standards for production and in service qualification.
• Experience providing the U.S. delegation to the International Atomic Energy Agency with expert opinions underlying U.S. positions on proposed new standards regarding the classification, packaging and testing of packaging for radioactive and nuclear materials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

• Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and application of nuclear technologies and package design including research, development, construction, operation, testing, and maintenance of systems, packages and equipment.
• Research - Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
• Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
• Safety Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods to identify, control, mitigate, and eliminate safety hazards in the design and use of facilities, equipment, operations, and work processes.
• Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

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.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

The agency has the option of extending a term appointment up to the 4-year limit.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

TRANSCRIPTS - Transcripts are REQUIRED if there is a stated education requirement for the series OR if you are substituting education for experience. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements. 

• Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
• If you are applying to an engineering position and are qualifying based on possessing a current Professional Engineer (PE) license, or passing the Engineer in Training (EIT) exam, please provide a copy of PE license or written documented proof of passing the EIT.

DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 85) and provide all of the following documents:  

• your most recent performance appraisal,
• the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
• your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.

Displaced employees may be eligible for ICTAP or CTAP priority consideration.  

For more information, please review the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition.

Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USA Jobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system.  You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.