Summary This position is part of the Office of Science Field Counsel Office. As a Student Trainee (General Engineering), you will receive training in analytical methods used to develop objectively based information in support of administrative and programmatic planning, development, evaluation, and managerial decision making. Responsibilities The following are the duties of this position at the GS-07. If you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform all these duties and will receive training to help you grow in this position. As a Student Trainee, you will: Assist with Departmental annual audit programs reviewing data from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to identify potentially unreported interventions using an artificial intelligence system developed in-house using the python programming language. Help identify potentially unreported inventions by assisting with the scientific review and analysis of technical proposals and patent applications under the supervision of an experienced patent attorney. Prepare demand letters for any identified unreported inventions. Conduct technical review of awards and published patents utilizing basic engineering/physics skills. Prepare final memorandum documenting the audit process, results, and lessons learned. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (05/17/2024) of this announcement. Pathways Internship Eligibility Requirements Be accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree or certificate in a qualifying educational institution on a half- to full-time basis (as determined by the educational institution).; AND Meet the definition of a student throughout the duration of their appointments and maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA.; AND Meet agency-specific requirements as specified in the agency's Participant Agreement with the Intern.; AND Meet the qualification standards (e.g., series and grade) for their internship position. If applying for the GS-5: You must have completion of 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree. If applying for the GS-7: You must have completion of 1 full academic year of graduate level education; or Eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision AND completion of a bachelor's degree. Superior Academic Achievement - you meet one of the requirements listed in the superior academic achievement description. (1) Class Standing - Upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses; OR (2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR (3) Honor Society Membership - Membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org) AND completion of a bachelor's degree. Education Pathways Internship Education Requirements Current students in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate. You must maintain student eligibility and enrollment for the duration of the internship. If you do not maintain eligibility and enrollment, you are ineligible for this program. Every semester/quarter, you must maintain good academic standing with an overall GPA of a 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and provide updated transcripts to verify continuous enrollment. Your educational goals must include obtaining a professional degree in engineering or related major that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform in this position. You must submit a copy of your current transcripts for proof of education and enrollment. If you are not currently enrolled but have been accepted for future enrollment, you must submit a copy of your acceptance letter with your application. The absence of this information will result in an ineligible rating. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CERTIFICATE: A Certificate program is a post-secondary educational program, in a qualifying educational institution, equivalent to at least one full- time academic year of study, that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational or business school curriculum. Transcripts would need to be provided. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to OPM Instructions. Additional Information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.opm.gov/telework/ EEO Policy: www.energy.gov/justice/eeo-complaint-process Reasonable Accommodation Policy: www.energy.gov/hc/department-energy-reasonable-accommodation-program Veterans Information: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ Relocation expenses/incentives will NOT be paid. Recruitment incentives will NOT be paid. Advance in Hire (Superior Qualifications) will NOT be offered. Creditable Service will NOT be offered. Student Loan Repayment will NOT be offered. Positions may be covered by a bargaining unit. Bargaining unit will vary by departmental element, grade, and/or location. This position is Non Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This appointment may be extended depending on the organization's needs and funding. Salary will be determined based on the duty location after selection. The salary listed reflects the 2024 General Schedule Base scale. Salary will be adjusted to meet the locality pay of the duty location upon selection. A complete list of salary tables can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2024/general-schedule. Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination. Management has the prerogative to select at any grade level. The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at AdministrativeInvestigations@hq.doe.gov. WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PATHWAYS PROGRAM? For additional information regarding the Pathways Program, please refer to the following website: USAJOBS Help Center | Students & recent graduates