PHYSICAL SCIENTIST
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Most applications go out cold — see where you stand first. No sign-up to start.
Don't just apply. Show up ready.
Olive works from this exact posting — no sign-up to start.
At a glance
Requirements
Credentials this posting asks for.
Job overview
The Physical Scientist role at DTRA involves translating complex customer capabilities into technical objectives, serving as a subject‑matter expert for chemical and biological detection, leading prototype development, coordinating multi‑site R&D, and providing senior‑level technical advice to executives.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Full job description
Summary
This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
Duties
As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST at the GS-1301-14 some of your typical work assignments may include: Translate highly complex customer and end-user capabilities/vulnerabilities into actionable technical objectives for soliciting advanced scientific S&T research for chemical and biological detection. Serve as an authoritative subject matter expert for all phases of chemical and biological detection solutions, delivering early-warning capabilities to the warfighter. Lead the development and technical validation of fieldable chemical and biological detection prototypes. Coordinate, setting rigorous scientific standards for, and review multi-faceted R&D efforts conducted across diverse geographic locations, contractor sites, academic institutions, and federal laboratories. Provide senior executive-level technical advice to the RD-CBPD Branch Chief and RD-CBP Division Director across a broad spectrum of physical and life sciences, including but not limited to applied physics, physical/analytical/organic chemistry, cheminformatics, microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Drive the execution of high-priority S&T investments utilizing advanced portfolio management tools and collaborative stakeholder engagement. Conceive, plan, conduct, and review pioneering work in chemical and biological detection, especially in highly novel scientific areas with limited existing theoretical frameworks. Perform technological forecasting, evaluate research achievements, and assess the strategic impact of scientific breakthroughs. Maintain comprehensive oversight of assigned portfolios to ensure absolute compliance with policy, budget, and DTRA mission priorities, while hitting strict obligation and expenditure targets. Help develop highly visible, authoritative inputs for critical agency reports, including the annual Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) Report to Congress. Coordinate and integrate technical aspects of detection programs across the DTRA R&D Directorate, Joint Staff, Service laboratories, Combatant Commands (CCDRs), and contracting agencies. Represent the Branch and Division during high-level technical briefings, conferences, and program reviews, articulating progress and addressing technical challenges before senior DoD leadership. Direct critical administrative and financial components of program execution, to include generating Statements of Work (SOWs), Procurement Requests (PRs), and official program budget submissions. Qualifications
You may qualify at the GS 14 , if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the 13 grade level in the Federal service, military, or private sector: Serving as an authoritative expert and senior program manager, creating novel and innovative research solicitations, leading complex technical projects, managing the financial and programmatic execution of projects, and delivering advanced chemical and biological detection technologies that address critical joint warfighter requirements Utilizing technical and scientific expertise with advanced acquisition and programmatic knowledge to drive revolutionary technology development modernizing how agency actively address, detect, and mitigate evolving chemical and biological threats Generating long-term S&T strategies and managing complex research and development portfolios within fiscal constraints Leveraging interagency, academic, and international network to forge strategic partnerships, align shared goals, and eliminate duplication of effort. 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. Or 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.
Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level. How You Will Be Evaluated
We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified below, required for this position. Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements. For information on entitlement see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the " Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp)" eligibility. If you are claiming Military Spouse eligibility and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager. Information and required documentation for claiming Military Spouse eligibility may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below. Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible:- Submit a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation, such as the notification letter you received showing you are no longer eligible for military or NG membership (through no fault of your own) and that you have completed at least 15 years of technician service and a minimum of 20 years of service creditable for non-regular retirement. Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible:- You must provide a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist, DD3145-1 (whs.mil), a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF) 50 effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade. Other Information
Other Notes: ACQUISITION POSITION: This is an Acquisition Workforce position in the Engineering and Technical management functional area. The incumbent will be required to become certified in the Practitioner tier within 5 years. The incumbent is required to acquire a minimum of 40 continuous learning points (CLPs) every fiscal year as a goal and 80 CLPs being mandatory within 2 years. Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements: Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT: This position DOES NOT meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Who Needs to Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov))
You've read the whole posting — now see how you match it.