PHYSICIST- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Summary

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The primary purpose of this position is to perform work in physics and the physical sciences in order to create and evaluate solutions for physics-based problems, methods, conditions, and issues enabling the development of quantitative targeting recommendations/effects assessments supporting warfare planning options.

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Duties

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DR-1310-01

• Under the guidance of senior personnel, either individually or as part of a multi- disciplinary team, develops representations, constructs mathematical models, and performs targeting and effects assessment analysis of components, nodes, networks and systems of interest using engineering/scientific principles and established methodologies and models.
• Supports routine to moderately complex operational problems within the assigned area, and the analysis is often times based on structured and unstructured data sources that can be conflicting or incomplete. Engages in professional development and monitors technical advancements to build foundational expertise for application to work assignments. With limited oversight from senior personnel, supports the improvement of existing or development of new analytic methods, models, techniques, and tools to improve analytical products through needs identification, requirement documentation, capability evaluation, and feedback generation.
• Collaborates across disciplines and organizational boundaries to achieve and/or enhance organizational effectiveness. Coordinates with science, engineering, and intelligence professionals engaged in related activities for exchange of ideas and information, including coordination on data, methods, and analysis.
• Ensures security and other programmatic requirements are met. In a clear and timely manner, prepares and/or presents supporting documentation to include responses to routine inquiries, reports, presentations, and/or other related documents in order to communicate and defend analytical approaches and findings. Works with supervisor to develop deadlines, projects, and other work assignments.

DR-1310-02

• As a recognized technical expert in specified network(s), the incumbent scopes tasks and performs complex, accurate, and technically rigorous model-based analysis of adversary components, nodes, networks and/or systems based on multiple structured and unstructured intelligence datasets.
• Develops representative network/system characterizations and mathematical models using appropriate methods to fill information shortfalls/ensure optimal depiction of real world network(s). Identifies critical elements/vulnerabilities, prioritizes targets for engagement to meet specific objectives, and provides qualitative and/or quantitative estimations of effectiveness of recommended engagement options. Prepares timely, relevant, and technically accurate targeting products. Presents and defends project plans, objectives, and findings internally and externally.
• Stays abreast of community/academic advancements. Uses critical thinking and creative problem solving to adapt existing methods and tools and/or develop innovative approaches to improve ability to meet requirements/enhance operational utility. Provides requirements, develops, and assesses the capability and performance of new and/or improved analytic methods, models, techniques, and tools. Collaborates across disciplines/organizational boundaries to achieve and/or enhance organization effectiveness.
• Provides information and effectively partners within and beyond own organizational unit to influence decisions or recommend solutions. Leads development and execution of projects to execute or advance work unit mission. Generates key ideas and contributes technically to advance the modeling capability of command. Leads, mentors, and performs complex assignments within a team environment to improve capability of a technology area or address command initiatives.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see [click to reveal website link]www.sss.gov
• A security clearance may be required
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: [click to reveal website link]https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• Recruitment incentives may/may not be authorized
• This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Position may be subject to random drug testing
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
• Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Position may be subject to polygraph testing.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Basic Requirements:

1. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.

   or

2. Combination of education and experience courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

DR-1310-01

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is scientific experience assisting with the development of mathematical models used in support of identifying solutions to physics-based problems; and experience communicating technical findings through reports, briefings, and/or collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

DR-1310-02

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11/DR-01 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is scientific experience analyzing complex networks, systems, and/or components; developing systems characterizations and/or mathematical models in support of solutions to physics based problems; and experience collaborating with teams to deliver analytical products, improve methodologies, and/or influence decision-making.

NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OR

EDUCATION: Successfully completed 1 full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. -OR -Successfully completed a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.

OR

COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Combinations of successfully completed post 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.

COMPETENCIES: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:Problem Solving, Communication, Technology Management, Teamwork and Leadership

Ideal Candidate:

• Highly skilled and experienced professional with a strong background in engineering mechanics and physics. Proven ability to perform complex engineering/scientific work with the predictive effects of energetics, kinetics, and various other damage mechanisms. Experience and knowledge of model development, weapon testing, and capability development would be sought.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, produce, and deliver timely, relevant, and technically accurate analytical products and recommendations to military customers.
• Experience in exploring, developing, evaluating, and/or operationalizing new methodologies, technologies, or tools to enhance organizational capabilities in weapons effects prediction.
• Applied knowledge of weapons systems and capabilities
• Knowledge of simulation techniques including Monte Carlo and associated scripting ability to aid in automation
• Ability to analyze information, extrapolate where data is missing, make correct inferences and conclusions, and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives.
• Knowledge of Department of War military command structure, missions, and programs, national security issues, trends, and topics of interest.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

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 conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

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This job announcement will be used to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

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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.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.