Intelligence Research Specialist

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals; No prior Federal experience is required.

The Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence office works identify and mitigate threats to U.S. National Security and the DOE Enterprise and informs national security decision-making. The DOE-IN advises policy makers on threats to and opportunities for U.S. National Security in nuclear, energy, cyber and a number of science and technology (S&T) fields.

This is an Excepted Service position. This appointment will not confer Competitive Service career-conditional or career tenure status. This means that if you are selected, you would have to compete with other applicants in open competition to meet requirements for another Federal position, unless you meet the requirements for reinstatement. Applicants who voluntarily convert from the competitive service, Senior Executive Service, or other pay systems to a non-time limited appointment under this excepted service authority are not afforded "fallback rights" to the pay system previously assigned prior to conversion.

We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy

As an Intelligence Research Specialist, you will:

• Plans, directs, and conducts complex, all-source cyber threat intelligence research and analytical assessments regarding foreign threat actors, advanced persistent threat (APT) campaigns, and tactics targeting Department of Energy (DOE) systems, national laboratories, and critical energy infrastructure.
• Evaluates incomplete, ambiguous, or conflicting technical information using structured analytic methods and competitive hypothesis testing to assess adversary capabilities, establish confidence levels, and uphold Intelligence Community analytic standards.
• Serves as an authoritative technical representative in interagency working groups, task forces, and partner forums to align intelligence priorities, resolve analytic discrepancies, and communicate DOE-IN perspectives.
• Collaborates with DOE national laboratories, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and external energy-sector partners to evaluate complex cyber-physical threats and validate evidence.
• Identifies critical cyber intelligence gaps, recommends targeted collection requirements across collection disciplines, and collaborates with collection managers to focus coverage on priority national energy security threats.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
• If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
• This position is not remote, the selectee will be expected to report to the duty station(s) listed. If selected, military spouses, veteran caregivers, and spouses of foreign service employees may be eligible for applicable workplace flexibilities.
• This position has been designated as Special-Sensitive (High Risk) and requires a security clearance at the Q level. The incumbent is required to obtain and maintain this clearance; failure to do so may result in separation from federal service.
• In addition, the incumbent is required to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance prior to entrance on duty; failure to do so may result in separation from federal service.
• The incumbent is required to complete an initial Counterintelligence (CI) evaluation and on a recurring basis, which may include a CI-scope polygraph examination
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
• This position is not included in a Bargaining Unit.
• Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.
• Situational telework may be approved at the discretion of the supervisor.
• Occasional travel required.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Specialized Experience GS-13:

To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service (or equivalent private sector experience). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of the 3 of the following:

• Researching and analyzing cyber threat data from multiple sources to identify threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) affecting network systems or critical infrastructure.
• Writing cyber threat intelligence summaries, assessments, or incident reports that outline threat indicators, potential impacts, and technical findings.
• Presenting technical cyber threat findings to stakeholders or organizational leadership to support defensive actions or risk-mitigation measures.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application and resume should demonstrate that you possess the following specialized experience. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the competencies identified below. Use specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (11/09/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, clickhttps://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13103634.

Please note that if you fail to provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

RESUME WITH 3 REFERENCES: This can be done by either creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of your choosing. Applicants will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in their resume. Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position.

COVER LETTER: This should be no more than 3 pagesthat describes your interest in this role at the Department of Energy and describes your experience.

WRITING SAMPLE: A writing sample should besufficiently complex in nature to demonstrate the applicant's skills in the qualifications of this position.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you may provide a DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active-duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.

ACTIVE BAR MEMBERSHIP: You must submit evidence of an Active Bar Membership as described in the Qualifications Section of this announcement.

EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. Unofficial law school transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements of this position. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.

CTAP/ICTAP Eligible Applicants: To receive selection priority, you must submit the following documentation with your application:

1. Proof of Eligibility: A copy of your agency-issued Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, a copy of your separation SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) noting transition/displaced status, or other official agency documentation confirming your eligible status.
2. Proof of Performance Rating: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/rating of record, which must include:
   • Your final rating (must be at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent); and
   • The rating scale/guide (explaining what each level/numeric score means), unless the rating scale is clearly defined on the appraisal document itself.

Note: While a formal performance appraisal is highly recommended and requested to expedite your evaluation, if your agency-issued RIF separation notice or other official separation documentation explicitly states that your performance was at least "Fully Successful" (or equivalent) and notes your rating of record, it may be accepted in lieu of a formal performance appraisal. Failure to provide any documentation proving a rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent will result in the loss of your priority consideration. For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.

CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL APPOINTEES: If this is applicable, please note on your resume and attach an SF-50. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the hiring manager and HR office.

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