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Physical Scientist (Supervisory )

National Gallery of Art

Washington, DCFull-time$169–197K/yrPosted 2 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$169–197K/yr
Location
Washington, DC
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Job overview

The Head of the Scientific Research Department oversees its operations and administration, including personnel, budgets, and work assignments. The role plans and executes research on artists’ materials, their chemistry, and degradation, and evaluates materials used for conservation. It also publishes scientific findings, supports staff research, and collaborates with conservators and curators on programs and publications related to the National Gallery of Art’s mission.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Scientific Research Organization ManagementScientific Research PlanningArtwork Materials ResearchArtists’ Materials HistoryResearch Publication

Qualifications

Physical Science, Engineering, or Mathematics Degree or Equivalent Education and Experience24 Semester Hours in Physical Science or Related Engineering ScienceOne Year Specialized Experience

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Paid Time Off
401(k) Match

Full job description

Summary

We are the nation's art museum, home to a renowned collection of over 160,000 works of art from antiquity to today. Millions of people come through our doors each year—with even more online—making us one of the most visited art museums in the world. Located on the National Mall, admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.

Duties

The Head of the Scientific Research Department reports to the Chief of Conservation within the division of the Chief Curatorial and Conservation Officer. This position serves the National Gallery of Art by ensuring high-quality analytical services and scientific research for the National Gallery in their role of studying and preserving collections. Duties for this position include: Oversees the operation and administration of the Scientific Research Department in all respects, including personnel actions, budgets, and work assignments. Plans and executes a program of scientific research that studies artists' materials, their chemistry, and degradation mechanisms utilizing state-of-the-art analytical methods Plans and executes a program to test and evaluate materials used for conservation. Publishes scientific findings and supports staff research endeavors. Collaborates with conservators and curators on programs and publications that relate to the larger mission and goals of the institution. Requirements

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website. It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit appropriate documentation prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant experience as it relates to this job announcement. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. 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). Your resume must include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week. Qualifications

Basic Requirements: 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 1 above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-14 level in the Federal service or private sector working with scientific methods and equipment associated with the study of materials commonly associated with artwork. OPM Qualifications Standard: Individual Occupational Requirements: General Physical Science Series, 1301 Associated Group standard: Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions 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.

Education

This position does have an education requirement. Or a combination of education and experience. 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. How You Will Be Evaluated

Your resume will be used to evaluate your experience, education, and/or training that address the competencies below: Skill in the oversight and management of a scientific research organization, including associated personnel, budgets, and work assignments. Skill in planning and executing a program of scientific research involving works of art. Knowledge in the history of various artists' materials and techniques. Skill in both conducting research and publishing findings as well as overseeing such activities of other research scientists. Category Rating: Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of the three quality categories: The quality categories are defined as: Qualified (70-79.99), Well Qualified (80-89.99), or Best Qualified (90-100) Qualified Category = Does not exceed the basic qualifications requirements described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement. Well Qualified Category = Meets the basic qualifications requirements described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and demonstrates proficiency in the Critical Competencies defined below. (This category must be met to be considered under ICTAP procedures) Best Qualified Category = Meets the basic qualifications requirements described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and excels in the Critical Competencies defined below. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of many," but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent or higher will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). A Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to determine if your qualifications meet the criteria for referral to the selecting official. Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to submit writing and/or work samples as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing and/or work sample as part of its selection process, the vacancy contact will reach out to you by email to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions. You may preview questions for this vacancy. Benefits

The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/ Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/ Other Information

The National Gallery of Art fosters a fair workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The EEO policy is found at: https://www.nga.gov/employment-opportunities/equal-employment-opportunity More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. This position may be offered a recruitment incentive. This position is not included in the bargaining unit. Relocation expenses will not be paid. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/reasonable-accommodation Veterans Information: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements visit the following websites: Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses Other Special Appointment Authorities Reasonable Accommodation Requests: The National Gallery of Art provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement.

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