INTERDISCIPLINARY Physical Scientist (Recent Graduate)

Department of Energy Headquarters•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Department of Energy’s Recent Graduates Program is a one-year developmental program for recent graduates that provides training, professional development, an Individual Development Plan, and a mentor. Participants who successfully complete program requirements may be considered for noncompetitive conversion to a term or permanent civil service position; conversion is discretionary and not guaranteed. At the GS-7 level, the Physical Scientist performs general scientific or engineering work of limited scope and complexity in support of DOE projects assigned to higher-grade professionals. The role plans procedures, selects standard practices and data, assists with limited, well-defined projects, and prepares routine reports presenting technical facts and information. At the GS-9 level, the Physical Scientist researches, analyzes, interprets, evaluates, and carries out difficult but conventional scientific or engineering assignments supporting programs and projects. The role conducts preliminary analyses for larger and more complex work, reviews documents for discrepancies or potential issues, prepares and evaluates conventional plans and technical documentation, and contributes to recurring reports about project status and issues that may affect objectives. The position is in the 1301 Physical Science series and has varying potential full-performance levels, such as GS-11, GS-12, or GS-13 equivalent, depending on the selecting Program Office’s needs. Duty locations and salary depend on selection and location. Telework availability depends on mission requirements and supervisory determination. A successful participant may be converted to the highest GS grade for which they qualify, subject to program completion, performance, qualification, and management requirements.

Requirements

Meet Pathways Recent Graduate eligibility requirements, including qualifying recent education or completion of a qualifying career or technical education program; qualifying veterans may have an extended eligibility period.
Meet the basic 1301 education requirement: a four-year degree or higher in physical science, engineering, or mathematics including 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, or an allowed combination of education and experience.
For GS-7, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5, one year of qualifying graduate education, superior academic achievement with a bachelor's degree, or an eligible combination of education and experience.
For GS-9, qualify through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent, or an eligible combination of education and experience.
GS-7 specialized experience includes assisting with project execution using basic scientific or engineering principles and documenting findings.
GS-9 specialized experience includes conducting scientific or engineering research and analysis to interpret technical data for project support, and drafting concise technical reports and communications for varied audiences.
Meet eligibility and qualification requirements within four months of the announcement closing date.
Be a U.S. Citizen, National, or qualifying Foreign National who meets immigration and annual appropriations laws.
Provide proof of qualifying education or program completion; transcripts or certificate documentation are required.
Be suitable for Federal employment based on a background investigation and complete a Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Complete program training and development requirements within the one-year appointment, complete one year of continuous service, and receive at least a Fully Successful performance rating to be eligible for conversion consideration.
Meet the Office of Personnel Management qualification standards for any position considered for conversion.
A position may require an OGE-450 financial disclosure report, applicant and random drug testing, or completion of Technical Qualifications Program requirements, as applicable.
Applicants relying on foreign education must provide documentation establishing U.S. equivalency or full credit from an accredited U.S. institution.

Responsibilities

Perform general scientific or engineering work of limited scope and complexity in support of DOE projects assigned to higher-grade professionals.
Plan work procedures and select standard practices and data for scientific or engineering assignments and identified problems.
Assist in coordinating and carrying out limited, well-defined scientific or engineering projects.
Prepare routine, recurring technical reports conveying factual scientific or engineering data and information.
Research, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and carry out conventional scientific or engineering assignments supporting programs and projects.
Conduct preliminary scientific or engineering analyses to assist higher-grade professionals with large and complex projects.
Review reports, plans, specifications, change orders, modifications, and other documents to identify discrepancies or potential issues.
Prepare, provide, and evaluate conventional plans, designs, specifications, and related documentation.
Prepare and contribute to recurring technical reports on project status and issues that may affect program or project objectives.