Physical Scientist

Summary

This position is part of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, Department of Energy. As a Physical Scientist, you will oversee technically complex DOE scientific and engineering projects or initiatives. This may include but is not limited to the scientific and engineering design, development, implementation and evaluation of these programs/projects.

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Duties

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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 (HGEO) is unleashing the full potential of America's hydrocarbon and geothermal resources to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy. Through applied innovation and U.S. energy leadership, HGEO develops and advances breakthrough technologies that lower costs and power American prosperity, freedom, and human flourishing. By leveraging America's hydrocarbon and geothermal resources, HGEO works to enhance reliable baseload power, strengthen grid reliability, and improve long-term energy security for communities nationwide.

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 the end-to-end design, development, execution, and evaluation of advanced engineering and scientific research and development initiatives.
• Evaluate in-depth scientific and engineering data to resolve technical uncertainties, operational conflicts, and emerging engineering challenges.
• Evaluate new technologies, industry trends, and innovative applications to establish new technical standards, processes, and methods.
• Serve as a specialized advisor to internal management, colleagues, and external partners on controversial, novel, or high-visibility scientific and engineering issues.
• Prepare and oversee critical project documentation, including statements of work (SOWs), funding opportunity announcements, budgets, and procurement packages.
• Prepare reports, deliver technical presentations to professional audiences and leadership, and represent the agency at intradepartmental meetings and professional conferences.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• 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, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
• You are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report upon entering the position and annually (5CFR Part 2634, Subpart I USOGE, 6/08).
• Occasional travel may be required.
• This position is not included in a Bargaining Agreement.
• Obtains and maintains Technical Project Officer/Contracting Officer Representative (TPO/COR) certification at a level appropriate for assigned project(s). Selectee will be required to obtain certification within one year from start date.

Qualifications

You must meet b oth the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below.

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.

GS-12 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-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

1. Participating in the planning and execution of technical projects or scientific studies, including tracking task milestones, monitoring schedules, and reviewing deliverables against established project requirements.
2. Analyzing and evaluating physical science data to identify trends, resolve technical issues, and recommend practical solutions to complex problems;
3. Assisting with writing materials (such as study reports, portions of statements of work, or technical evaluations) and communicating findings to team members, project partners, or management.

GS-13 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 3 of the following:

1. Managing or leading projects or research initiatives through planning, tracking milestones, evaluating contractor or research team performance, and monitoring deliverables against scope and schedule.
2. Conducting analyses of physical science or energy-related systems to resolve problems, uncertainties, or operational deficiencies.
3. Writing documentation (such as project plans, statements of work, evaluation reports, or technical specifications) and delivering briefings or presentations on scientific topics to diverse technical or management audiences.

"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.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

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.
• The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
• For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit:
• Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.
• EEO 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.
• Reasonable Accommodation Policy:
• 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 submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at View email address on click.appcast.io.
• CTAP/ICTAP Note: While a formal performance appraisal is highly recommended and requested to expedite your evaluation, if your agency-issued RIF separation notice or other official separation documentation explicitly states that your performance was at least "Fully Successful" (or equivalent) and notes your rating of record, it may be accepted in lieu of a formal performance appraisal. Failure to provide any documentation proving a rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent will result in the loss of your priority consideration.

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.

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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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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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.