Chief Scientist/Scientific Advisor To Af/Sg

Department of the Air Force Headquarters • Falls Church, VA

10d

About The Position

The Chief Scientist/Scientific Advisor to the Air Force Surgeon General (AF/SG) serves as the Air Force Medical Service’s primary scientific, technical, and acquisition strategy authority. This scientific/professional, non-managerial role develops healthcare policy and informs, integrates, and implements a Defense Health Program-funded Research, Development, and Acquisition (RDA) strategy and oversight process. The incumbent guides the AF Medical Service’s strategic vision for RDA and coordinates research with the Department of War, Defense Health Agency, military departments, government agencies, and other partners to align modernization with capability requirements.

The position translates evolving operational aerospace and joint warfighter health challenges into scientifically sound and fiscally disciplined research, development, test, and evaluation programs. It supports the transition of research knowledge and materiel capabilities into operational Air Force and joint military medical units. The Chief Scientist applies executive-level scientific expertise and knowledge of the Department of Defense acquisition ecosystem, leading coordination across military and interagency organizations to ensure funded solutions are validated, technologically mature, and integrated into doctrine. The objective is to improve airman and guardian survivability, performance, and lethality.

The position is Special-Sensitive and requires a Top Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one. It requires travel, potentially on short notice, and may require availability outside normal duty hours, including weekends, to support exercises and crisis planning. Mobility is a condition of employment. An initial SES and ST career appointment is subject to a one-year probationary period. The selected candidate must complete Program Management Level III certification within 24 months of assignment. A doctorate in a related health or allied science field is highly desired; a Senior Leader Orientation Course is generally required within 12 months of appointment, subject to availability.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and senior-level scientific expertise in formulating, integrating, and implementing comprehensive medical RDA strategies and oversight processes across complex Air Force, joint, and interagency organizations.
• Demonstrated superior technical leadership in health, medical, or biomedical sciences, including a record of leading advanced research initiatives and transitioning scientific innovation, research knowledge, clinical applications, technologies, or materiel solutions into operationally relevant capabilities.
• A bachelor's or higher degree in an academic field related to medical, health, or allied sciences from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Program Management Level III certification within 24 months of assignment.
• Ability to obtain or hold a Top Secret clearance.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service.
• File an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278).
• Pass required pre-appointment urinalysis testing and sign a drug-testing letter; the position is subject to random drug testing.
• Sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligations Agreement as required for SES and ST appointments.
• Availability for travel under DoD Joint Travel Regulations, including short-notice travel, and possible work outside normal duty hours, including weekends.
• Complete a one-year probationary period for an initial SES and ST career appointment.

Nice To Haves

• A doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) from an accredited university in health sciences or allied sciences, with emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics; relevant curricula may include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics, healthcare operations or management, and a research thesis.
• Attendance at the Air Force Senior Leader Orientation Course, generally within 12 months of appointment, subject to course availability.

Responsibilities

• Develop healthcare policy and support medical Research, Development, and Acquisition (RDA).
• Guide the Air Force Medical Service’s strategic vision for RDA and serve as its primary scientific, technical, and acquisition strategy authority.
• Inform, integrate, and implement a Defense Health Program-funded RDA strategy and oversight process.
• Coordinate research with the Department of War, Defense Health Agency, military departments, government agencies, and other partners to align modernization with capability requirements.
• Translate operational aerospace and joint warfighter health challenges into scientifically sound and fiscally disciplined research, development, test, and evaluation programs.
• Support the transition of research knowledge and materiel capabilities into operational Air Force and joint military medical units.
• Ensure funded solutions are validated, technologically mature, and integrated into doctrine to improve airman and guardian survivability, performance, and lethality.
• Travel to high-level meetings, potentially on short notice, and support exercises and crisis planning outside normal duty hours as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation costs are authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior