Physical Scientist

Defense Logistics Agency • Fort Belvoir, VA

30d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Physical Scientist, with potential duties performed in a developmental capacity at the GS-11 or GS-12 level. The role involves identifying materials issues impacting Stockpile commodities and programs, reviewing studies and reports on strategic and critical materials, and performing research to determine future Stockpile requirements. The scientist will provide assessments of materials factors affecting the Agency mission, offer recommendations on acquisition, upgrading, sale, and disposal strategies, and participate in strategic planning. Additionally, the position requires providing technical support to acquisition staff, including proposal evaluation and negotiation, and reviewing sampling and laboratory chemical analysis for compliance with specifications and standards.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Bachelor's degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics, with 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science (e.g., mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, electronics).
• OR A combination of education and experience equivalent to the above.
• GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.
• GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
• GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
• Resume and supporting documentation must support qualifications.
• Must submit transcripts or other documentation to support educational claims if using education to qualify.
• If using education in lieu of specialized experience for GS-11: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
• Selectees are required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable identification documents to access certain federal facilities.

Nice To Haves

• GS-11: Assisting senior scientists in gathering and compiling data for studies and reports on strategic and critical materials.
• GS-11: Applying basic principles of materials science to help elevate material properties and specifications against established standards and guidelines.
• GS-11: Communicating technical information to internal team members and assisting in the preparation of documents and reports.
• GS-12: Conducting studies and investigations related to the properties, characteristics, and uses of strategic critical materials.
• GS-12: Knowledge of sampling and laboratory chemical analysis for compliance with outlined specifications and standards.
• GS-12: Providing technical support to acquisition and material testing programs, including assisting with the evaluation of proposal and the resolution of common customer quality complaints.
• GS-13: Leading complex studies, investigations, and research to determine current and future requirements for strategic and critical materials.
• GS-13: Serving as a subject matter expert by providing advice, guidance, and recommendations to senior management on materials acquisition, disposal strategies, and stockpile policies.
• GS-13: Developing and formulating new projects, programs, and policies for strategic materials based on program evaluations, risk assessments, and independent analysis.
• GS-13: Leading review of sampling and laboratory chemical analysis for compliance with contract specifications and standards.

Responsibilities

• Identify materials issues impacting Stockpile commodities and programs.
• Review studies, reports, and other information concerning strategic and critical materials and Stockpile activities.
• Perform studies, investigations, and research to determine current and future Stockpile requirements.
• Provide assessments of the materials factors affecting the Agency mission.
• Provide advice, guidance, and recommendations on acquisition, upgrading, sale, and disposal strategies.
• Participate in strategic planning to formulate sound projects, programs, and policies for the Agency from program evaluations, study recommendations, and risk assessments.
• Provide technical support to acquisition staff during proposal evaluation, negotiation, and post-award proceedings as a Contracting Officer’s Representative on pertinent acquisition and other materials-related contracts.
• Review sampling and laboratory chemical analysis for compliance with contract specifications and standards.

Benefits

• 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.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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