Duties
1. Serves as the principal scientific/technical advisor and primary authority for the technical content of the Department of the Air Force S&T portfolio. Evaluates the DAF technical research program to determine its adequacy and efficiency in meeting national, DoD, and DAF objectives in core technology areas. Identifies research gaps and analyzes advancements in a broad variety of scientific fields to advise on their impact on DAF programs and mission objectives. Recommends new initiatives and adjustments to current research programs required to meet current and future Air and Space Force needs. Programs judged by the SAF/ST to be worthy of intensive and extensive exploration are of national and/or international significance and involve many major and exceptionally critical scientific and engineering problems. Novel interdisciplinary approaches are often required.
2. Advises the Secretary of the Air Force, providing independent evaluations and objective advice across a broad range of technology related subjects. Advice is based primarily on technical merit. Subjects are derived from:
1.1. Tasks assigned by the Secretary of the Air Force, the Under Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Chief of Space Operations.
1.2. Technical/research/science issues determined by the SAF/ST to be of high DAF importance.
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3. Advises senior leaders across the DAF on S&T and R&D matters, as appropriate. The SAF/ST interacts with organizations across the Air Force, Space Force, other services, the Department of Defense, and other U.S. Departments to research technical issues. In doing so, identifies and analyzes issues affecting various levels of the DAF and brings them to the attention of the Secretariat and Air and Space Force leaders, as appropriate.
4. As a nationally recognized scientific expert, provides authoritative counsel and advice to DAF leadership and S&T organizations within the DAF. Provides needed technical sophistication, stature, and experience to represent the Department of the Air Force S&T community in engagements with the international scientific community. Fosters and leads collaboration with foreign countries as well as other services and agencies, universities, and industry. Serves as an authoritative consultant or member on boards and/or panels charged with advising on and evaluating the need for scientific and engineering R&D programs having national and/or international significance and import. Represents the Department of the Air Force at high level technical meetings and conferences and at DoD, interagency, international, and White House forums, as appropriate.
5. Guiding DAF S&T leadership. The Chief Scientist serves as a focal point for DAF S&T:
- 5.1 Convening and chairing semi-annual meetings of Air and Space Force S&T leadership to discuss Air and Space Force-wide technical issues and effect cross flow between technical areas and the operational Air and Space Forces. Attendees include chief scientists and technical directors from laboratories, test centers, major commands, and others, as appropriate.
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- 5.2 Serving on the Scientist and Engineer Advisory Council (SEAC), chaired by the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition) (SAF/AQ), which oversees the health of science and engineering career fields across the Air For
- 5.3. Serving on the Scientist and Engineer Advisory Council (SEAC), chaired by the Assistant Secretary of the Space Force (Acquisition) (SAF/SQ), which oversees the health of science and engineering career fields across the Space Force.
6. Evaluates theoretical and experimental studies within multiple critical technological areas. Defines and selects specific topics for investigations based on technical objectives, own authoritative knowledge of subjects and own inventions and concepts. Integrates scientific advances with the technical state-of-the-art and military technology requirements and technically guides research and development efforts accordingly. Serves as a member of the Air and Space Force Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) Steering Committees. Participates in the definition of studies and selection of candidates for membership and the chairperson and attending SAB meetings and study groups as appropriate.
7. Sponsoring and administering the DAF-level Science and Technology award programs as outlined in AFI 36-2843, Science and Technology Awards. The SAF/ST evaluates the quality, novelty, and merit of Department of the Air Force level science and technology award submissions and recommends award recipients to the Secretary of the Air Force.
8. There are no Field Operating Agencies reporting to the SAF/ST.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. citizenship is required
- If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
- Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
- Position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Position requires the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
- Must have or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET/SCI Security clearance.
- Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be offered.
- Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility.
- Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
- Disclosure of Political Appointments
- EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT (Standard Form 278). Selected candidate must file this report in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
- Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.
Qualifications
ST QUALIFICATIONS: ST positions require substantial experience and significant scientific contributions related to the scientific disciplines and topic areas described in this position description. The candidate must have at least 3 years of specialized experience in, or closely related to, the field in which the candidate will work; and at least 1 year of this experience (must have been in planning and executing difficult programs of national significance or planning and executing specialized programs that show outstanding attainments in the field of research or consultation. Experience can include paid and unpaid experience, including federal/non-federal government, volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience.
A. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To meet the minimum requirements for this Department of the Air Force ST position, you must have (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-14/GG-14/NH-04 or equivalent or specialized experience obtained in the private sector related to the duties of this ST position.
B. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (NTE 6 Pages Total): A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing each TQ. TQs must provide specific examples that address relevant experience and accomplishments. Applicants should focus on recent experience, education, and training, as some Recruitment Panel members may consider experience that's over 10 years old to be outdated. The MTQ write-up should not exceed 6 pages total. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:
1. Demonstrated collaboration with foreign countries as well as other services and agencies, universities, and industry. Expert level as an authoritative consultant or member on boards and/or panels charged with advising on and evaluating the need for scientific and engineering R&D programs having national and/or international significance and import.
2. Ability to evaluate theoretical and experimental studies within multiple critical technological areas. Proven ability to defines and select specific topics for investigations based on technical objectives, own authoritative knowledge of subjects and own inventions and concepts. Expert knowledge in Integrating scientific advances with technical state of the-art and military technology requirements and technically guides research and development efforts accordingly.
C. MANDATORY SENIOR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (NTE 3 Pages Total): Upload in PDF format - Applicants should focus on recent experience, education, and training, as some Recruitment Panel and Executive Resources Board members may consider experience that's over 10 years old to be outdated. Supplemental statement addressing the following: Limit your responses to 1 page per SPQ and upload as a PDF titled SPQ.
(1) Contributions: Achievements that impacted the organizations mission and contributed to knowledge advancements in the fields of Science and Technology.
(2) Leadership: Recognized leader in Science & Technology (S&T) and Research & Development (R&D) program development and management, as evidenced by personal impact to and enhancement of the organization's capability and scope.
(3) Professional Stature: Recognized standing as indicated by memberships and activity in professional organizations and/or within the larger DoD/Industry professional community. This includes citations, honors, awards, patents, and publications and other forms of recognition, such as requests for professional consultation, which indicate acceptance by peer group as an authoritative source in the field.
D. Specialized Experience: The position requires the candidate to be a nationally recognized figure in their field of science with a high level of experience of sufficient breadth and depth to enable the development of S&T programs and policy for the Department of the Air Force. The position requires demonstrated technical competence, a high degree of creativity, keen scientific insight, initiative, and the ability to make independent decisions. The highest scientific stature and reputation is required to materially enhance the effectiveness of the office and promote acceptance and cooperation of participating activities.
Additionally, executive-level experience in R&D program development and management; outstanding ability to establish and maintain interorganizational collaboration and partnerships; a high level of personal initiative, creative problem-solving skills, the ability to rapidly formulate and communicate decisions; and the ability to present and defend independent positions at the highest levels of government are required. National recognition as evidenced by significant technical achievements and contributions; participation on national/international level technical committees and panels, etc.; high-level scientific/technical honors and awards; and other equivalent recognition is required.
Education
This is an interdisciplinary professional position involving duties and responsibilities closely related to more than one professional occupation. As a result, the nature of the work is such that persons with education and experience in one of the two different professions (listed below) may be considered equally well qualified to do the work. To be qualified, the incumbent must meet one of the education requirements for one of the three occupational series listed below. Note: Acceptable combinations of education and experience for each series are listed on The Office of Personnel Management website under the General Schedule Qualification Standards.
(a) General Engineering (0801) series requires: a professional engineering degree from an accredited institution is required; to be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering .curriculum; or (2) include differential .and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics; (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d)thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (t) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat-transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics; or a combination of education and experience.
(b) General Physical Science (1301)series requires: A degree in 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 a combination of education and experience---education equivalent to one of the majors shown in above that included at least 24 semester bouts in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
An advanced degree or doctorate in science, engineering or a related professional discipline is highly desired.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
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.
Required Documents
To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the MANDATORY documents identified in the format as designated. Packages that do not include all of the MANDATORY documents or meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
**************ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED IN PDF FORMAT*******************
The Qualifications Documents must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 12 font, with 1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or list a Social Security Number on any of the Qualifications Documents. DO NOT COMBINE DOCUMENTS.
A. (MANDATORY) Resume in the preferred (Limit 5 pages). Upload in PDF format. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
B. (MANDATORY) Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) Statements: Address each of the MTQs (NTE 6 pages Total). Upload in PDF format and include the MTQ statement as indicated in the announcement.
C. (MANDATORY) Senior Professional Qualifications: Address all 3 factors (NTE 3 pages Total). Upload in PDF format. Current OR former ST career/career conditional employees not required to provide a separate narrative response to the Senior Professional Qualifications. However, you must include a copy your ST career/career conditional appointment (please submit SF50).
D. Most recent completed Performance Appraisal (current and/or former federal employees) or Performance Report (OPR or EPR). For applicants in the private sector, please provide a copy of your equivalent Evaluation Report.
E. Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and salary level (applies only to current or former civilian government employee).
F.
(MANDATORY) College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM.
G. Military: Retired - a copy of your DD214 and/or Retirement orders; Active Duty - Are you an active-duty service member with a statement of service showing you expect to be discharged or released from the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after submitting your application
? Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification. Documents are required.
H. (Optional): Ethnicity and Race Identification, SF-181 -- Form available at:
https://www.opm.gov
I. (Optional): Self-Identification of Disability, SF-256 -- Form available at:
https://www.opm.gov
DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Extraneous materials such as copies of position descriptions, award certificates and transmittal letters will not be forwarded for review.
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.
How to Apply
Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/11/2024.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: (Limit 5 pages/Times New Roman 12-font) (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) - Please submit a typewritten resume (upload as a PDF), including the following information:
Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2024-52) and title of the position to which you are applying.
Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. **PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER**
Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank held, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement, (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE: IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification.
Education: Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Work Experience: Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions).
- Starting and ending dates (month and year)
- Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank)
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor
- Salary (current)
*Applicants should focus on recency of experience, hiring officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated.
References: Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.
SAF/MRL CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Keirsten Ramon at keirsten.ramon@us.af.mil.
Next steps
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.