Physical Scientist (IRMS)
About The Position
This position is with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Laboratories and Scientific Services, in Savannah, Georgia. The Physical Scientist (IRMS) independently handles complex problems and advances technology in Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), including developing technical and technological advancements. The role conducts and investigates scientific, technical, and statistical work related to quality applications, including technical training, subsampling, methods, instrumentation, validations and verifications, test data, and reports. It supports major field laboratory activities, including forensic and trade commodity analysis, with a concentration in source attribution and provenance studies. The scientist tests and validates analytical methods and instrumentation, identifies laboratory equipment needs, evaluates instruments and test technologies, and develops or provides input on complex scientific and technical procedures and methods. The position is classified at GS-13, with a stated salary range of $106,437 to $138,370. The role requires a relevant physical science, engineering, or mathematics education and one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Employment is subject to federal hiring conditions, including U.S. citizenship, residency requirements for applicants not currently employed by CBP, background investigation, drug testing, and applicable ethics requirements.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship.
- For males born after December 31, 1959, registration with Selective Service.
- For applicants not currently employed by CBP, physical residence in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years, subject to stated waiver conditions.
- Ability to complete all pre-employment processes in English.
- Successful completion of a background investigation and required drug testing.
- Compliance with applicable Executive Branch and CBP ethics rules, including obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity where required.
- A degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that includes the required coursework.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, including operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting TC/EA IRMS, combustion EA IRMS, and GC IRMS; measuring carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen isotopic ratios across varied matrices; interpreting results to determine trade commodity origins; and teaching or guiding scientists and other personnel in analytical skills.
- Resume must explicitly demonstrate the required specialized experience.
- Meet all qualification requirements, including applicable education requirements, by October 21, 2026.
- Current or recent political appointees within the specified Executive Branch categories must disclose that status to Human Resources.
Responsibilities
- Independently handle complex problems and advance technology in Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS).
- Develop technical and technological advancements in IRMS.
- Conduct and investigate scientific, technical, and statistical work on quality-related applications, including technical training, subsampling, methods, instrumentation, validations and verifications, test data, and reports.
- Support major field laboratory activities, including forensic and trade commodity analysis, with a concentration in source attribution and provenance studies.
- Test and validate analytical methods and instrumentation.
- Identify laboratory equipment needs and evaluate instruments and test technologies.
- Develop and provide input on complex scientific and technical procedures and methods.
- Run, maintain, and troubleshoot TC/EA IRMS, combustion EA IRMS, and GC IRMS instruments.
- Measure carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen isotopic ratios across a range of matrices.
- Interpret data and draw conclusions about the origin of trade commodities.
- Teach and guide journeyman scientists and other personnel to improve analytical skills.
Benefits
- Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
