SUPERVISORY PHYSICAL SCIENTIST

US Defense Threat Reduction Agency; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) invites qualified candidates for a GS-15 level role at Fort Belvoir, VA. The position emphasizes directing a complex scientific research portfolio within Chemical and Biological BSS, focusing on detection, protection, contamination mitigation, and decontamination to close defense gaps.

The role includes transitioning S&T initiatives to acquisition programs, defending POM submissions, and managing R&D funds in alignment with DoD targets.

Qualifications

• Experience directing a complex scientific research portfolio in BSS with emphasis on detection, protection, contamination mitigation, and decontamination capability sets.
• Managing the transition of S&T initiatives to formal acquisition programs by executing TTAs and supporting MDD planning.
• Translating customer requirements into technical and fiscal plans; defending POM submissions; providing oversight of R&D fund execution to meet DoD targets.
• Serving as primary representative coordinating joint R&D initiatives through international bodies and drafting responses to inquiries.
• Supervising civilian and contractor workforce with delegated authority; establishing structures, setting standards, and conducting appraisals.
• Resolving grievances and conduct matters; approving travel, training and leave; enforcing compliance directives.

Skills

Program management

Interagency coordination

Requirements translation

Acquisition planning

Team leadership

Education

Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics (includes 24 semester hours in physical science/engineering)

Education equivalent with 24 semester hours in physical science/engineering plus related experience

Job description

This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Defense Threat Reduction Agency. You may qualify at the GS 15 , if you fulfill the following qualifications:

• Directing a complex scientific research portfolio in Chemical and Biological Basic and Applied Sciences (B&SS), with emphasis upon detection, protection, contamination mitigation, and decontamination capability sets, to resolve functional/technical defense deficiencies and advising DoD, interagency, and international partners
• Managing the transition of Science & Technology (S&T) initiatives to formal acquisition programs by executing Technology Transition Agreements (TTAs), supporting Material Development Decision (MDD) planning, and authoring authoritative strategic inputs
• Translating customer requirements into technical and fiscal plans, preparing, and defending Program Objective Memorandum (POM) submissions, and providing authoritative oversight of R&D fund execution through the review of defense acquisition instruments (SOWs, MIPRs, PRs) to meet OSD cost, schedule, and performance targets
• Serving as a primary representative and liaison coordinating joint R&D initiatives through international bodies, establishing interagency agreements to close defense capability gaps, and drafting authoritative responses to Congressional, Department-level, and interagency inquiries
• Supervising civilian and contractor workforce with delegated authority in establishing organizational structures, setting performance standards and conducting employee appraisals
• Resolving grievances and conduct matters; approving administrative actions such as travel, training and leave
• Enforcing organizational compliance directives.

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.

In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1301, series as listed below:

• A. 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.
• B. 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