Special Agent: Physical Sciences Expertise

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 103,236 - 133,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking special agents with expertise in physical sciences to conduct investigations impacting national security. At the FBI, agents analyze threats related to cyberattacks and terrorism while leveraging their skills in a supportive environment that promotes professional growth.

Successful candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in physical sciences and be prepared for a dynamic career that involves constant challenges and opportunities for advancement. Full benefits and competitive pay levels ranging from $103,236.00 to $133,200.00 annually are offered.

Qualifications

• Must evaluate information and navigate complexity in investigations.
• Experience in laboratory skills and molecular biology is essential.
• College transcripts must be submitted for degree verification.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct investigations of federal law violations.
• Create and maintain relationships with law enforcement agencies.
• Maintain physical fitness for law enforcement duties.

Skills

Critical thinking

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Judgment under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or related field

Job description

The position advertised has been exempted from the federal civilian hiring freeze.

As an FBI special agent, your career is defined by how you think, analyze, and act in moments that directly impact national security. 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. The Bureau matches your dedication with a commitment to professional growth, competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment that provides the flexibility and resources needed to maintain balance. This is an opportunity to build a career that evolves with you, one where your skills continue to grow as your impact expands. Set yourself apart. Apply today.

How Your Physical Sciences Expertise Translates to a Special Agent Career

Special is who you are. Agent is what you’ll become.

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.

At the FBI, that expertise takes on new meaning. The way you approach problems expands beyond a single function or environment. What you’ve learned to assess becomes direction. What you’ve managed becomes something you’re trusted to lead. This is where your expertise becomes a catalyst, and your career shifts from executing within the work to determining how it moves forward.

HOW TO APPLY

STEP 1: Click on the “Apply” button to be directed to the FBIJobs Careers website.

STEP 2: Click the “Start” button to begin. You will be prompted to either sign in to continue or register with FBIJobs if you don’t already have an account.

STEP 3: Follow the step‑by‑step process to submit your interest. You will be guided through each step. You must complete all sections of the form and attach all required documents to successfully submit your interest.

• Your resume, specifically noting relevant work experience and associated start and end dates. Please note your resume must not exceed two (2) pages.
• Other supporting documents:
  • College transcripts, if qualifying based on education or if there is a positive education requirement.
  • Veterans: DD 214; Disabled Veterans: DD 214, SF‑15, and VA letter dated 1991 or later.

Please see instructions on the site for attaching documents.

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.