Physical Scientist

Summary This position is part of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office - National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Department of Energy. As a Physical Scientist, you will serve as a technical project manager and expert advisor within the Department of Energy. The main role is to oversee, coordinate, and evaluate technically complex research and development projects focused specifically on energy infrastructure resilience and cybersecurity. Duties The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office - National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) office works to discover, integrate, and mature technology solutions to enhance the nation's energy foundation and protect the environment for future generations. Through forward-looking research and technology development, our team of talented and diverse experts provides technology solutions for today and options for tomorrow. For more information visit We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy As a Physical Scientist, you will: Oversee and manage scientific, engineering, and energy infrastructure cyber-resilience research projects from design through deployment to ensure final deliverables meet programmatic goals. Conduct in-depth technical analyses of physical science and engineering issues to resolve scientific uncertainties, address unique challenges, and evaluate new technology applications. Serve as a Technical Project Officer (TPO) on assigned federal awards, preparing critical documentation-such as budgets, statements of work (SOWs), and procurement packages-in compliance with federal regulations. Provide expert technical advice, recommendations, and assistance to senior leadership, colleagues, and external organizations on high-visibility, difficult, or controversial scientific and engineering matters. Collaborate and maintain productive working relationships with diverse partners across industry, academia, national laboratories, and other government agencies to identify research gaps and coordinate development efforts. Prepare and deliver technical presentations, reports, papers, and briefings on project objectives and progress for professional societies, stakeholder meetings, and management reviews. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period. If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. This position is not remote, the selectee will be expected to report to the duty station(s) listed. If selected, military spouses, veteran caregivers, and spouses of foreign service employees may be eligible for applicable workplace flexibilities. You are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of entering the position and annually. Occasional Travel may be required. Within 6 months of appointment, obtain and maintain Technical Officer/Contracting Officer Representative (TPO/COR) certification at level appropriate for assigned projects. Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. 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 B. 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. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 4 of the following: Manage, direct, or coordinate technical, engineering, or physical science projects. Conduct evaluations, feasibility studies, or data analyses of complex scientific systems, materials, or energy-related technologies to solve engineering/scientific problems or identify research gaps. Draft technical project plans, statements of work (SOWs), technical requirements, research paper summaries, or budget justifications used to secure resources or execute project agreements. Present project updates, research findings, or project progress reports to management, multidisciplinary project teams, or external industry/academic partners to influence project decisions or resolve technical issues. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration and current employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. Additional information Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions. New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the e-Verify employment verification check. To learn about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. Your performance appraisal and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other candidates. Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. Equal employment opportunity policy. Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. Veterans Information: Selective Service Registration: The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and emailing it to the Administrative Investigations Program at View email address on click.appcast.io. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. #J-18808-Ljbffr Department of Energy - Agency Wide