Physical Scientist

Department of Energy Headquarters; Germantown (MD); Remote; USD 169,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy Headquarters is seeking a Physical Scientist (ECMP Program Manager) to set the scientific scope and strategic direction of basic physical science research within the Office of Science - Headquarters. You will administer the competitive funding process, oversee budgets and progress, and foster collaborations across DOE, labs, academia, and industry.

The role requires advising leadership on program direction, emerging research needs, and DOE mission priorities, with

Qualifications

• Education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Foreign education must be reviewed for equivalence as required.

Responsibilities

• Direct the scientific scope and strategic direction of basic physical science research programs.
• Administer the competitive research funding process, including solicitations, peer reviews, and award recommendations.
• Oversee program budgets, resource allocations, and compliance; foster partnerships with DOE, national labs, academia, and industry.
• Serve as an authoritative technical liaison to leadership and external scientific communities.

Education

Physical science or Engineering or Mathematics degree with 24 semester hours

Education + experience combination with 24 semester hours in physical science/engineering

Job description

• Hiring Agency: Department of Energy Headquarters

This position is part of the Office of Science - Headquarters, Department of Energy. As the BES Experimental Condensed Matter Physics (ECMP) Program Manager, you will advise leadership on the scientific focus and research program direction, considering emerging research needs and opportunities for the research program, scientific and technological advances, and the DOE mission areas.

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 a Physical Scientist (ECMP Program Manager), you will: Direct the scientific scope and strategic direction of basic physical science research programs to address emerging energy challenges and advance Department mission priorities. Administer the competitive research funding process, including proposal solicitations, merit peer reviews, and award recommendations, to ensure technical excellence and sound investment of federal resources.

Oversee program budgets, resource allocations, and scientific progress to ensure fiscal integrity, milestone achievement, and research compliance. Foster partnerships and collaboration across DOE, national laboratories, academia, and industry through principal investigator meetings, strategic workshops, and cross-cutting scientific initiatives.

Serve as an authoritative technical liaison and advisor to leadership and external scientific communities to communicate program outcomes and represent the agency at national and international forums.

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. 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 $169279 - $197200/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-02.

Who is eligible to apply?

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