Physical Scientist (IRMS)

Customs and Border Protection; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking a Physical Scientist (IRMS) in Savannah, GA. The role includes advancing isotope ratio mass spectrometry technology and conducting scientific and statistical work related to quality assurance and laboratory analysis.

The position starts at a GS-13 level with a salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year, and requires supporting field laboratory activities, source attribution studies, and method development.

Qualifications

• Experience handling scientific and statistical work related to technical training, sub-sampling, methods, instrumentation, validations and verifications.

Responsibilities

• Handle complex problems and advance technology in IRMS.
• Support quality-related applications in forensic and trade commodity analysis, focusing on provenance studies.
• Test and validate analytical methods and instrumentation; assess equipment needs for the laboratory.

Skills

Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS)

Analytical problem solving

Independent technical development

Tools

Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS)

Job description

• Hiring Agency: Customs and Border Protection
• Department: Department of Homeland Security

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Laboratories and Scientific Services located in Savannah, GA.

Key Responsibilities

This position starts at a salary of $106,437.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $138,370.00 (GS-13, Step 10). While serving as a Physical Scientist (IRMS), your duties may include: Handling complex problems and advancing technology independently and developing technical and technological advancements in Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS).

Conducting and investigating scientific, technical, and statistical work on quality-related applications as related to technical training, sub-sampling, methods, instrumentation, validations and verifications, test data and reports. Supporting all major aspects of the field laboratory, such as forensic and trade commodity analysis, with a concentration in source attribution/provenance studies.

Testing and validating analytical methods and instrumentation, identifying equipment needs for the laboratory, as required, and evaluating instruments and test technologies. Developing and providing input on complex scientific and technical procedures and methods.

Requirements & Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $106437 – $138370/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-21.

Who is eligible to apply?

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