Summary This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The incumbent will be responsible for serving as a Physical Scientist and technical subject matter expert in nuclear and radiological detection. Responsibilities As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST at the GS-1301-14/15 some of your typical work assignments may include: Conducts research to identify and collect complex physical scientific data for the development and integration of advanced sensors in a multi-domain operational environment. Develops first-of-a-kind and tailored nuclear and radiological detection methods, data translation, and networked systems. Leads the stakeholder transition of developed capabilities among Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, and Services. Formulates and implements strategies to converge qualitative information derived from nuclear effects studies, quantitative fused Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) data streams, and basic research activities. Extensively collaborates among the Interagency to establish clear pathways for basic research to advanced research activities benefiting DoD and extending programmatic resource buying power. Guides conceptual research and innovative thinking leading to new methods and procedures for advances in current state-of-the-art technology and big data analysis. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications You may qualify at the GS 15, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Technical subject matter expert for nuclear threat detection (8+ years), developing pioneering nuclear threat detection methods and systems, or extensive knowledge of the application of radiation detectors/sensors. Establish and codify transition pathway planning of research and development products designed to address current and emerging nuclear threats, as well as military and interagency requirements to include reliability, critical sources and supply, production readiness, maintenance, and sustainment. Expertly conducts research to identify and collect complex physical scientific data for the development of advanced sensors that can operate in remote environments, and the development of systems to merge information from a variety of sources into a coherent overall nuclear threat detection system. Independently uses judgment and ingenuity to determine technology areas relevant to nuclear threat detection that warrant further study. Expertly originates long-range plans, organizes, implements, manages, establishes transition pathways, and validates projects on nuclear and radiological threat detection applications including development and demonstration of components and systems. Formulates strategies to converge qualitative information derived from nuclear effects studies, quantitative fused Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) data streams, and DTRA-based basic research activities. Expert knowledge of distinct program objectives to exercise delegated authority to manage the program in order to advance beyond current constraints and discipline parameters. Expert knowledge of DoD research and development and acquisition policies and procedures and extensive experience (5+ years) with demonstrated effectiveness in overseeing, directing, or managing research and technology development, integration and application efforts, including interdepartmental and international activities whose results directly influence national security policy in order to ensure regulatory compliance. Expert knowledge and extensive experience (5+ years) with demonstrated effectiveness in communicating technical issues and extensive experience communicating scientific technical information. You may qualify at the GS 14, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Technical subject matter expert for nuclear threat detection (including, but not limited to ionizing radiation detection) and developing pioneering nuclear threat detection methods and systems. Accountable for the research and development products designed to address current and emerging nuclear threats, as well as military and interagency requirements to include reliability, critical sources and supply, production readiness, maintenance, and sustainment. Conducts research to identify and collect complex physical scientific data for the development of advanced sensors that can operate in remote environments, and the development of systems. Uses judgment and ingenuity to determine technology areas relevant to nuclear threat detection that warrant further study. Proposes long-range plans, organizes, implements, manages, and validates projects on nuclear and radiological detection applications including development and demonstration of components and systems. Implements fused data streams and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) strategies. Knowledge of distinct program objectives to exercise delegated authority to manage the program in order to advance beyond current constraints and discipline parameters. Knowledge of DoD research and development and acquisition policies and procedures and extensive experience (<5 years) with demonstrated effectiveness in overseeing, directing, or managing research and technology development, integration and application efforts, including interdepartmental and international activities whose results directly influence national security policy in order to ensure regulatory compliance. Knowledge and extensive experience (<5 years) with demonstrated effectiveness in communicating technical issues and extensive experience communicating scientific technical information. 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: General Physical Science Series, 1301 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 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. You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html Additional Information Other Notes: ACQUISITION POSITION: This is an Acquisition Workforce position in the Engineering & 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. 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 All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ 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))