Special Agent: Physical Sciences Expertise

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 103,236 - 133,200; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seeks candidates for a Special Agent position in Houston, Texas. This role requires a bachelor’s degree in physical sciences or a related field and demands analytical skills, data analysis abilities, and attention to detail. Responsibilities include planning investigations into federal law violations and maintaining fitness for law enforcement duties. The salary ranges from $103,236 to $133,200 depending on qualifications and locality. Join the FBI to contribute to the safety and security of the public.

Qualifications

• Experience with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
• Ability to operate under pressure and make decisions in complex situations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct investigations of potential violations of federal laws.
• Exercise judgment and resourcefulness in meeting investigative demands.
• Create and maintain effective liaison with law enforcement agencies.
• Maintain physical fitness for law enforcement duties.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data analysis capabilities

Attention to detail

Chemistry laboratory skills

Molecular biology

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in physical sciences, biology, chemistry, or physics

Job description

By harnessing your background to transition into federal law enforcement, you can help shape the Bureau’s approach to investigate violent crimes. At the FBI, you will have the opportunity to leverage your skills to protect against cyberattacks, terrorism, fraud, and evolving threats. Using your analytical skills, data analysis capabilities, attention to detail, and experience working with complex data, you will identify patterns, uncover critical information, and support investigations that address threats to public safety.

Your transition from a specialized career into the special agent role is designed to expand how your expertise is applied, encouraging you to think critically, and operate across a range of complex scenarios. Every day brings new challenges that demand adaptability and resilience, but you’re not alone on this journey.

How Your Physical Sciences Expertise Translates to a Special Agent Career

Your expertise in physical sciences reflects how you evaluate information, navigate complexity, and operate with precision. You’ve developed strength in chemistry, laboratory skills, and molecular biology. That expertise has been shaped through your experience in reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), protein chemistry, and good laboratory practice, where judgment, accountability, and the ability to operate across competing priorities are required. That experience carries forward into decisions that require evaluating complex situations, making decisions under pressure, and applying judgment in environments where outcomes matter.

Salary Level

Pay level for this position:

• $103,236.00 - $133,200.00

Salary is commensurate with base, locality, and availability pay.

Major Duties

• Plan and conduct investigations of potential violations of federal laws, cybersecurity, and public safety.
• Exercise judgment, resourcefulness, and versatility in meeting investigative demands.
• Create and maintain effective liaison relationships with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and international law enforcement agencies.
• Maintain a level of physical fitness to ensure the readiness required to perform law enforcement duties.

Key Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance.
• Must be willing to travel as required.
• Must meet the FBI’s Employment Eligibility requirements.

Education

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or higher (preferably in physical sciences or a related field such as biology, chemistry, or physics) from a U.S. accredited college or university.

All degrees must be verified by submitting college transcripts.

The FBI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this vacancy. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex, pregnancy and related conditions, or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other nonmerit factors.