This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for 'STEM Positions and Cyber Security and related positions' to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: Serves as a Physical Scientist in the Quality Control Section of the Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory (FTDTL), which supports the Department of Defense Drug Control Program.

Duties

Use chemical stoichiometry to manufacture solutions utilized for the calibration and control of drug assays used in testing for drugs of abuse. Utilize and apply analytical and evaluative methods to ensure open and blind control samples are performing within the quantitative/qualitative parameters. Perform quality control review of all laboratory assays to ensure technical compliance with guidelines. Maintain and calibrate quality control equipment used in testing for drug. Review scientific data to ensure open and blind control samples are performed. Perform quality control review of all laboratory assays to ensure technical compliance with Department of Defense (DOD) Guidelines, and Substance and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Guidelines, and laboratory SOPs. Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to create the chain of custody forms for continued testing of presumptive positive specimens.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must be able to achieve and maintain Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Lab certification for the military testing program.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 20% of the time.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• One year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the Education And/Or Experience 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. Separated Military Members: Resumes will be accepted from members of the Armed Forces who indicate in their applications that they are available for appointment within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. Military members may be appointed while on terminal/transitional leave, before the effective date of their military retirement/separation. Military Retirees: Within the DoD (Department of Defense), including non-appropriated fund positions, the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following the retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326 or 5 U.S.C. 5305. Basic Requirement: Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in 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 Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to one of the majors, as 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: To qualify based on your work experience, your resume must describe at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service which includes experience: 1) Using chemical stoichiometry to manufacture solutions utilized for the calibration and control of drug assays used in testing for drugs of abuse; 2) Creating the intra-laboratory chain of custody documents necessary to certify these solutions meet technical specifications for use in testing methods; 3) Performing quality control review of all laboratory assays to ensure technical compliance; 4) Utilizing complex mathematical calculations to prepare the monthly quality control report, resulting in statistical data on the calibrators and controls used in testing for drugs of abuse.

Education

In addition to work experience listed above- for this job, you may qualify if your education meets the definitions below:
Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Physics or Chemistry
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 the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Contacts

• Address M1-W6F215 US ARMY MEDICAL ACTIVITY DO NOT MAIL Fort Meade, MD 20755 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk