This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for STRL Mission Support Positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: This position is located with the U.S. Army Research and Development Center, (ERDC), INFRASTRUCTURE SCIENCE & ENG DIVISION MATERIALS & STRUCTURES BRANCH.

Duties

Plan and conduct performance, characterization, quality assurance, and specification compliance tests in a lab space which includes wet chemistry lab exposures and in the field for paints, coatings, composites, and related infrastructure materials. Collect and analyze data according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), military, and industry standards. Prepare test samples and apply coatings, resins, etc. using various processes. Operate laboratory instruments including gas chromatographs, microscopes, viscometers, adhesion testers, accelerated weathering chambers, impact and abrasion testers, centrifuges, and other related equipment. Specimen fabrication and instrumentation, experimental apparatus setup, operating laboratory equipment, technical instrument error diagnosis, and running experiments for physical and mechanical properties of materials. Conduct all testing in accordance with applicable safety procedures, and you will follow good laboratory practice and attend to details with respect to wearing Personal Protective Equipment, avoiding cross-contamination of materials... CONTINUED: sample naming and labelling conventions, adhering to standardized procedures, controlling variables, regularly taking photographs, and appropriately managing solid and liquid wastes. Assist in the preparation of technical reports, presentations, proposals, and other research documentation as required. Assist in maintenance, repair, calibrations, and certifications of equipment. Independently manage your time to meet schedules and deadlines, and you will maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory and workspace.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: Providing support to research and development activities for a laboratory; Assisting the organizing testing data in order to determine causes of failure; and Assisting in the preparation of laboratory reports. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service DE-01 (GS-04). OR Education: Four year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology; OR (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education beyond two years (total semester hours minus 60) by 60. Add the two percentages.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Contacts

• Address RG-W2R2AA US ARMY ENGR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMT CTR DO NOT MAIL Vicksburg, MS 39183 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk