Direct Hire Authority: This position will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy. This position is Interdisciplinary in nature and may be filled with a Biologist/Biological Scientist (0401) or Physical Scientist (1301).

Duties

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, Washington, District of Columbia. The primary purpose of this position is to manage the research and development related to countering weapons of mass destruction (CWMD). The Incumbent will be part of the Department of Homeland Security's effort to protect the nation from weapons of mass destruction, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Duties performed: Coordinates, reviews, and assesses multidisciplinary scientific efforts in basic and applied research and in development programs involving leading-edge multi-focus-area technologies. Performs assignments that involve initiating, formulating, and planning, as well as executing major studies. Applies new techniques and original methods to address the solution of important problems that present novel or unprecedented aspects, and for which there is a dearth of scientific literature. Establishes and implements the strategies, objectives, and performance measures for assigned programs, prioritizes work, and determines funding needs and allocation. Provides expert advice and assistance to scientists and officials on a wide range of matters.

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements for the 0401 and/or the 1301 series. In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement applicants must meet the Specialized Experience requirement as noted below. Basic Requirement for a Biologist/Biological Scientist (0401): You must meet one of the items listed below (A or B). Transcripts are required: A. Have a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR: B. Have a combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Basic Requirement for a Physical Scientist (1301): You must meet one of items below (A or B). Transcripts are required: A. Have a 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: B. Have a 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. AND Specialized Experience: GS-14: Applicant must demonstrate one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-13 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing the following duties: Developing physical or biological science studies to support research, development, testing and evaluation efforts of technology designed to detect chemical, biological or nuclear threats; Managing scientific research and development projects to ensure they meet their intended objectives; and Providing technical briefs regarding physical or biological scientific research to others. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Only the first five pages of your resume will be used to make an eligibility/qualifications determination. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification. NOTE: 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.

Education

This position requires specific coursework and/or a degree to meet the basic education requirement. You must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Your transcript(s) must clearly demonstrate the course(s) listed in the qualification requirement section. If the transcript(s) does not clearly demonstrate this you must submit a copy of the course description and/or other documentation demonstrating that the courses are equivalent.

If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address
• Name: Philadelphia Services Branch
• Email: [email protected]