Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist-Chemist-Biologist

Job summary

This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The incumbent will be serving as a Scientific Advisor to the assigned Technical Support Group Chief in the Contingency Operations Department and provides scientific and technical expertise to DoD, National Security Staff, and other senior officials to prevent, protect from, respond to, and recover from chemical and biological (C/B) threats or incidents.

Major duties

This position is being filled under the memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) "Expansion of Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense," dated October 15, 2021. As a Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist-Chemist-Biologist at the GS-0401/1301/1320-12/13 some of your typical work assignments may include: Participate as a member of the Technical Support Group (TSG) to deploy in support of Combatant Commander and other federal Departments/Agencies in C/B emergency response events and training. Provide authoritative advice and recommendations, as a recognized expert in C/B weapons and detection, on chemical/biological operational and S&T programs. Provide on-site training, operational, scientific, and technical support to command sponsored technical training and exercises and other Joint Chief of Staff/theater sponsored exercises. Serve as the DTRA focal point for providing program planning, review, and oversight of specific short duration R&D programs related to chemical/biological (C/B) matters. Integrates requirements for the support of chemical/biological event response into the DTRA Operations Center, Department of Defense (DoD) point of contacts for implementation of crisis action/emergency response within the C/B area.

Qualification

You may qualify at the GS-12, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Providing scientific and technical expertise to identify, prevent, protect from, respond to, and recover from small and/or large scale Chemical and Biological (C/B) threats or incidents; Providing guidance regarding emergency response and program capabilities, including experience in the use of and application of (C/B) detectors and detection theory to characterize C/B threat agents and optimize C/B response training, exercises, and incidents; and Identifying C/B technological trends, to provide recommendations to a response organization, leadership, units, regarding C/B site exploitation planning and execution (Experience must be clearly demonstrated in your resume.) You may qualify at the GS-13, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Leading the coordination, analysis, and integration of conflicting activities and developing technical and programmatic strategies in a Science and Technology business area of emphasis; Providing scientific and technical expertise to senior officials and crisis response leaders to identify, prevent, protect from, respond to, and recover from small and/or large-scale Chemical and Biological (C/B) threats or incidents. Providing advice on a rapid basis even in the absence of complete information; Providing expert advice, without supervision, regarding emergency response and program capabilities, including experience in the use of and application of C/B detectors and detection theory to characterize C/B threat agents and optimize C/B response training, exercises, and incidents; and Identifying C/B technological and threat trends, to provide authoritative advice and recommendations to a response organization, leadership, units, regarding C/B site exploitation planning and execution. (Experience must be clearly demonstrated in your resume.) 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. In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1301 series as listed below: Degree: 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 -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in Degree 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 qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0401 series as listed below: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1320 series as listed below: 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 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.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Evaluations

We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified below, required for this position. Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements. Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For information on entitlement see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the " Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp)" eligibility. If you are claiming Military Spouse eligibility and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager. Information and required documentation for claiming Military Spouse eligibility may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below.