PHYSICAL SCIENTIST

In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1301, series as listed below: A. Physical Scientist (1301) series: 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. OR 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. AND You may qualify at the GS-13, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Experience analyzing radiological/nuclear (R/N) threats and related detection problems in order to provide operational, scientific and policy solutions to the organization and supported units. Experience utilizing field radiological/nuclear (R/N) detectors and apply knowledge of field detection capabilities and limitations, with experience interpreting both detection and spectroscopic R/N data and making operational recommendations. Experience calculating the effects of radiation shielding for both detection and force protection and applying knowledge of nuclear weapon designs and radiological threats in support of emergency response events. Experience participating in radiological/nuclear (R/N) response operations, exercises and training. You may qualify at the GS-12, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Experience assisting with the analyzing of radiological/nuclear (R/N) threats and related detection problems in order to provide operational and scientific solutions to the organization and supported units. Experience assisting with the utilization of field radiological/nuclear (R/N) detectors and apply knowledge of field detection capabilities and limitations, with experience interpreting both detection and spectroscopic R/N data. Experience assisting with the calculation and effects of radiation shielding for both detection and force protection and applying knowledge of radiological threats in support of emergency response events. Experience participating in radiological/nuclear (R/N) response operations, exercises or training. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION We are seeking a candidate with a strong academic background in nuclear science or nuclear engineering, such as might be attained via a Ph.D. degree program, and past experience in radiological/nuclear (R/N) detection. The candidate should be able to analyze R/N threats and related detection problems in order to provide operational, scientific and policy solutions to the Contingency Operations Department and supported units. The candidate’s background in R/N detection development and detection theory should accompany the ability to effectively communicate and instruct both technical and non-technical audiences, from the individual to the senior official level, in conducting effective R/N search operations. The prospective candidate should have experience in the interpretation of both detection and spectroscopic R/N data, and the operational recommendations that would accompany data analysis and interpretation. The focus of this position is not research, but instead is the training, advising and assisting of tactical units while deployed into a wide variety of environments. 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.
This position is being filled under DoD Direct-Hire Auth (Certain DoD Personnel), PL 118-31, Sec 1250B(i)(2), 12/22/2023. This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.