Physical Scientist

US-Defense-Logistics-Agenc; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

US Defense Logistics Agency seeks a Physical Scientist to support studies and data analysis on strategic materials at Fort Belvoir, VA. The role requires a Bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours in physical science or engineering and/or a combination of education and experience.

Applicants must meet GS-11/12/13 level qualifications with progressively responsible experience including gathering data, conducting studies, and communicating technical information to internal teams, as described in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science.
• Education may be substituted with appropriate experience per the announcement.

Responsibilities

• Assisting senior scientists in gathering and compiling data for studies and reports on strategic and critical materials.
• Applying basic principles of materials science to help evaluate material properties against standards.
• Communicating technical information to internal team members and assisting in preparing documents and reports.

Skills

Data gathering

Technical communication

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics

Job description

See below for important information regarding this job. To qualify for a Physical Scientist, your resume and supporting documentation must support:

A. Basic Education

• Bachelor's degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics. Degree must have included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

OR

• A 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.

B. Specialized Experience

One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in or related to this position. To qualify at the GS-11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector. To qualify at the GS-12 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector. To qualify at the GS-13 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement.

Creditable specialized experience includes:

GS-11:

• Assisting senior scientists in gathering and compiling data for studies and reports on strategic and critical materials.
• Applying basic principles of materials science to help elevate material properties and specifications against established standards and guidelines.
• 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.
• Knowledge of sampling and laboratory chemical analysis for compliance with outlined specifications and standards.
• 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.
• Serving as a subject matter expert by providing advice, guidance, and recommendations to senior management on materials acquisition, disposal strategies, and stockpile policies.
• Developing and formulating new projects, programs, and policies for strategic materials based on program evaluations, risk assessments, and independent analysis.
• Leading review of sampling and laboratory chemical analysis for compliance with contract specifications and standards.

C. Education Substitution

Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Education must be from a college or university accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education. See http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx. If using education to meet basic qualifications, YOU MUST SUBMIT A TRANSCRIPT as supplemental documentation. To qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you must possess:

• GS-11: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
• GS-12: Education cannot be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.
• GS-13: Education cannot be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.

D. Combination of Graduate Education and Professional Experience

Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements for the GS-11. Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.