This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate, Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL). The primary purpose of this position is to manage/maintain the upkeep of a TSL Core Research Laboratory through contract oversight; provide laboratory support to test and evaluation (T&E) teams; perform applied research and development (R&D) in support of internal and external customers. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Duties

As a Research Chemist, GS-1320-14, your typical work assignments may include: Planning and execution of R&D and Contraband (e.g., bulk explosive, chemicals, etc.) production-related activities at all applicable TSL locations. Executing the synthesis of novel and known explosives/chemicals, performs sensitivity testing of explosives, stability testing, and performs chemical characterization in support of internal and external customers. Directing large and small focus teams (e.g., scale up working group) and managing multiple chemistry related projects for internal and external customers. Providing oversight of the validation (alpha testing) and transition of new contraband test materials, production methods, and quality control methods for use by internal customers for beta testing prior to potential adoption as a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Maintaining the readiness (including inventory needs) of the laboratory space and equipment of the Energetic Material Research Laboratory (EMRL). All DHS-HQ announcements have a 5 business day open period due to the number of applications received. 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.
• You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
• This position is eligible for telework based on agency policy.
• You will be required to complete an OGE 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, within 30 days of starting your federal employment and annually thereafter as long as you occupy a position that requires financial disclosure reporting.
• This position requires you to have access, safeguard, and store classified national security information on a regular basis. You must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

Basic Education Requirement: 1. Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. -OR- 2. Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Specialized Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as: 1) Providing guidance on all questions related to chemical characterization and contraband materials, production methods and quality control techniques; 2) Managing chemistry-related projects/activities to meet customer requirements and timelines; 3) Ensuring compliance with all applicable laboratory occupational safety, health, environmental, and radiological policies, regulations, and laws; 4) Developing program plans consistent with available financial and physical resources and requirements. 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.

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: Jenny Kern
• Phone: (912) 267-3100
• Email: [email protected]