These positions are to be filled under the OPM Government-Wide Direct Hire Authority Certain STEM Positions for grades GS 11-15. This serves as a public notice for the use of the Direct Hire Authority in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3327 and 3330 and 5 CFR 330. Under this recruitment procedure, applications will be accepted for each location/ installation identified in this Public Notice. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time you submit your application.
The Department of Energy is seeking motivated and highly-qualified candidates for exciting positions available in multiple locations throughout the United States.
The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.
This series includes positions that involve professional work in the physical sciences and may include work in a combination of physical science fields.
As a Physical Scientist, at minimum you will:
- Provide scientific advice and guidance to officials, managers, scientists, and engineer.
- Serve as an expert for a significant segment of a specific area in one or more of the following: advanced scientific computing research; basic energy sciences; biological and environmental research; fusion energy sciences; high energy physics; nuclear physics; and workforce development.
- Provide technical guidance on proposed research projects and programs of interest.
- Coordinate, implement, and evaluate segments of research programs in the assigned area of responsibility.
- Assemble essential information on topics of assigned segments of research through various source materials.
You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below.
BASIC REQUIREMENT
A. 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.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for these positions are defined as:
GS-11: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-09). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of 4 of the following:
- Utilizing basic scientific techniques, procedures, and methods to provide support in the planning, development or implementation for components of assigned programs/projects;
- Carrying out, interpreting, and explaining basic studies to evaluate program or project performance;
- Preparing parts of reports or written evaluations to explain and convey findings related to scientific programs, projects, or processes;
- Assisting in identifying and resolving scientific issues which could have an impact on the program/project.
OR
Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. For this position, this is defined as a degree in physical science, engineering, mathematics or a similarly related major.
OR
Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of full-time study may be credited).
GS-12: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of 4 of the following:
- Applying scientific practices to research, analyze, interpret, and evaluate results of programs, projects, or processes;
- Planning and conducting scientific studies to evaluate and recommend ways to improve program or process efficiency;
- Performing and interpreting calculations, analyses, and computations to develop recommendations for coordinating projects or programs in an efficient and cost-effective manner; and
- Drafting reports or written evaluations to explain and convey findings related to scientific programs, projects, or processes.
GS-13: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-12). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of 4 of the following:
- Applying advanced scientific practices to research, analyze, interpret, and evaluate results of programs, projects, or processes;
- Planning and conducting complex scientific studies that included determining the relevancy and use of aesthetic, factual, economic/financial, engineering, or scientific information, in order to evaluate and recommend ways to improve program or process efficiency;
- Performing and interpreting calculations, analyses, and computations that involved unknown factors or relationships to develop recommendations for coordinating projects or programs in an efficient and cost-effective manner; and
- Reviewing scientific reports or written evaluations to ensure quality and accuracy.
GS-14: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-13). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of 4 of the following:
- Analyzing the application of experimental scientific theories and/or new applications and developments for research and development;
- Devising, customizing, overseeing, and/or evaluating specialized scientific systems, processes, and applications related to the energy industry;
- Developing requirements, long term goals, objectives, and schedules for the accomplishment of applied research and development, and deployment of technologies or methodologies;
- Preparing, presenting, and evaluating scientific plans, designs, reports, presentations, and briefings to convey the status of research projects or programs.
GS-15: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-14). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of 4 of the following:
- Developing and documenting scientific research plans that involved applying experimental theories or new applications or developments;
- Managing and successfully executing significant projects impacting an important segment of the company or agency's mission;
- Providing expert scientific advice to senior colleagues or company or agency officials responsible for broad program operations in order to advance programs or methods; or
- Evaluating complex technical issues and research results associated with the integration of methodologies to recommend future program research needs.
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 through GS-15 levels.
"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.
OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-1301 series can be found at the following website: OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-1301 series.
CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.
This public notice will be used to fill multiple positions as needed, therefore referral lists may be issued daily. Applications must be submitted and qualification requirements met by 11:59 p.m. ET each day in order to be referred on any certificates issued the following day.This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible".
If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education. Failure to provide college transcripts may result in a rating of 'Ineligible'.
Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.