Physical Scientist (Quality Assurance Specialist) Job

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

Duties

As a Physical Scientist (Quality Assurance Specialist) within the Office of the Associate Director for Energy and Mineral Resources, some of your specific duties will include:

• Oversees and reports on the development, documentation, and approval of laboratory-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Test Methods in coordination with the Energy and Mineral Resources Mission Area (EMMA) funded laboratory managers, research analysts, and/or Quality Management System (QMS) Manager.
• Utilizes knowledge and expertise in a full suite of geochemistry and mineralogy laboratory analytical techniques to perform statistical analysis on samples to establish or verify method detection limits, bias and variability, perform regression analysis, and determine significant figures and confidence limits in laboratory analysis; leads efforts to document, deploy, and maintain process modifications and improvements as needed.
• Serves as the laboratory records coordinator for QMS-related documents; prepares, maintains, reviews and validates/certifies controlled document systems including, but not limited to, records of instruments and other controlled laboratory devices throughout the life-cycle of the instrument and devices, training documents, logbooks, scientific notebooks, databases, demonstration of capability documents, stop work order documentation, annual balance calibration documents, and verification of volumetric dispensing devices.
• Participates in QMS conferences, meetings, and on committees and advisory groups in matters related to quality assurance and other laboratory issues.
• Performs the following efforts to continuously improve the EMMA QMS implementation:
  • Internal and External Audits
  • Corrective Actions
  • Reviews

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Key Requirements:

1. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
2. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
3. Selectee may be subject to serving a one-year probationary period.
4. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.

• This vacancy is limited to the first 75 applications received and will close at midnight Eastern Time on the day this application limit is reached regardless of the closing date specified in this vacancy announcement. Any application received prior to midnight Eastern Time of the day the application limit is reached will be accepted and considered. You are strongly encouraged to submit all required supporting documents at the time of application should the vacancy close earlier than stated in this announcement due to the applicant limit being reached. Supporting documents will not be accepted once the vacancy announcement closes.

• Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
• A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

--Applications (resume and application questions) for this vacancy must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online resume, you will not be considered for this position. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, you must speak to someone in the Servicing Human Resources Office listed on this announcement PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE for assistance.

--Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement: 1) Click the blue "Apply Online" button. 2) If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile. 3) As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application. 4)Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen. 5)Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies for this vacancy. 6)Submit required documents. 7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.

Next steps

--If you are rated as one of the most highly qualified candidates, you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 30-45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified via email of the outcome. You can also go to "My Account" within USAJOBS to review your Application Status.