This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction. The primary purpose of this position is part of DHS effort to protect the Nation from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) terrorism. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Duties

As a Biological/Physical Scientist, GS-0401/1301-13, your typical work assignments may include: Identifying, defining, and selecting specific problems for study; formulating hypotheses and developing a plan. Serving as lead coordinator for agency efforts to counter WMD threats and incidents. Generating support and cooperation from biological and scientific professionals for doctrine designed to prevent WMD terrorism. Providing significant and innovative recommendations for advancing programs and/research and scientific methods. This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• You must submit to a pre-employment drug test.
• You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
• This position is subject to random drug testing.
• Complete the initial online assessment and writing sample.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements 1301 Series: 1. Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree in General Physical Science from an accredited college or university; or a degree in a related field such as engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials and electronics. OR 2. Combination of education and experience - education equivalent to one of the majors shown in 1. above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. OR Basic Requirements 0401 Series: 3. Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR 4. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in 3 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION. In addition to meeting one of the base basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as: Serving as technical advisor and subject matter expert in biological and/or physical sciences. Managing and guiding the development of strategies and plans, with emphasis on the biological and scientific aspects. Providing technical assistance and expert advice to interdisciplinary or non-expert stakeholders such as Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and/or Territorial stakeholders to inform strategies and plans. A writing sample is required. Please answer the following questions and attach with your other documents. 1. How do you hope to apply your technical/scientific interest to the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction problem set and policy discipline? 2. Tell us about your experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team. In particular, what strategies do you use to explain highly technical information to an audience without deep background in the issue? 3. What should be the role of science in national security? How should policymakers and strategists balance the scientific conclusions of experts with social, political, and security considerations? What should be done if scientific, social, or political considerations run counter to requirements in law or presidential policy? Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. 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. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. This is a Drug Testing Designated Position (TDP) and is covered by the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters Drug-Free Workplace Program. The incumbent is required to sign a Condition ofEmployment form (for certain positions identified as critical under the drug testing program) and must pass urinalysis testing, as required prior to appointment, reassignment, or transfer, and emloyee will be subject to random testing while employed with the Department in a TDP.

Education

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

Contacts

• Address Department of Homeland Security Headquarters OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170 6595 Springfield Center Drive Springfield, VA 20598-0170 US
• Name: USAJobs Customer Care Center
• Phone: 317-212-0454
• Email: [email protected]