Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist

Department of Energy Headquarters

Upton (NY)

On-site

USD 125,000 - 193,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Department of Energy Headquarters seeks an Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist to oversee safety programs at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The role emphasizes safety during construction and electrical work while covering other lab safety areas.

You will assess safety performance, interpret DOE requirements, identify risks, observe lab activities, and contribute to policy discussions across the national laboratory system.

Qualifications

Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with required coursework.
Must provide college transcripts; foreign education evaluated per DOE guidance.
Positive education requirement applies to this vacancy.

Responsibilities

Serve as an expert technical adviser to DOE leadership and stakeholders on safety risks and recommendations.
Assess Brookhaven National Laboratory safety performance across construction, electrical, and other high-hazard activities.
Evaluate hazard analyses, work controls, training, permits and other work-planning elements.
Observe operations to ensure compliance with regulations and DOE requirements.
Participate in DOE communities of practice on safety policies and best practices.

Skills

Safety program oversight

Technical risk assessment

Policy interpretation

Hazard analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical science/engineering/mathematics with 24 semester hours in physical science

Education+experience combination (see requirements)

Job description

Hiring Agency: Department of Energy Headquarters

As a Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist, you will serve as an expert providing technical oversight and evaluation of the performance of safety programs at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). This position will emphasize safety during construction and electrical work, while still covering other areas of occupational safety, facility safety, and hazards at a national laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

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 an Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist, you will: Serve as an expert technical advisor to senior DOE leadership and diverse stakeholders by proactively identifying safety risks and trends, interpreting policies, and developing risk-informed recommendations regarding complex, high-visibility construction and infrastructure projects, operational needs, and scientific/engineering projects.

Independently assess and evaluate Brookhaven National Laboratory performance in implementing DOE's Integrated Safety Management core functions and guiding principles across national laboratory safety programs and complex construction, electrical, and other high-hazard industrial operations - to include chemical, biological, and radiological activities.

Observe active work and technical operations across the national laboratory for the purpose of assessing and evaluating safety performance and compliance with applicable regulations, DOE requirements, and lab safety programs. Evaluate completeness and appropriateness of laboratory hazard analyses, work controls, training qualifications, permits, and other elements of work planning and control.

Contribute to DOE communities of practice and/or working groups on safety policies, procedures, standards, and best practices. Evaluate the effectiveness of accident investigations and safety-related corrective actions, supporting sustainment and organizational learning.

Requirements & 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. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 1301 SERIES 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 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. NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 or GS-14 levels. 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.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Department of Energy Headquarters, Department of Energy.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $125431 – $192694/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-08.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.