Research Physical Scientist - DB-1301-04 - 55655

US Army Corps of Engineers · Alexandria, United States

USACE Organization

Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Geospatial Research Lab (GRL)

Announcement Type

Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Geospatial Research Lab (GRL)

Locations (City, State)

Alexandria, VA

Position Overview/Duties

Job Duties:

• Uses and interfaces with laboratory electro-optical instrumentation (oscilloscopes, cameras, time delay generators, navigational equipment and remote sensors)
• Designs and implements software for interfacing with laboratory hardware (implemented on computers, microcontrollers and other embedded systems)
• Conducts experimental characterization or calibration of hardware command and control systems.
• Develops or uses software control for laboratory equipment, such as Python, C++, LABVIEW or equivalent for controlling benchtop experiments.
• Conducts software programming in languages such as Python, C++, MATLAB, or equivalent.
• Documents, briefs and trains end users and coworkers on software designed for instrument command and control
• Uses photon detector array technology, especially in the infrared.
• Performs original research, proven through peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, technical books, or issued patents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Conditions and Requirements

Role Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing one of the Science, Technology, and Research Laboratory (STRL) specific DHAs to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in competitive service. Veterans’ preference does not apply to this announcement.

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is one of the premier engineering and scientific research organizations in the world. As the research organization of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ERDC conducts R&D in support of the Soldier, military installations, and civil works projects (water resources, environmental missions, etc.) as well as for other federal agencies, state and municipal authorities, and with U.S. industry through innovative work agreements. ERDC research is developing innovative solutions for a safer, better world -

Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:59 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.

Conditions Of Employment

• Must meet suitability for Federal employment.
• Will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Appointment may be subject to suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• This position requires a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a two year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 10% of the time.
• The incumbent is required to file an OGE Form 450, Financial Disclosure Report upon entering on duty in this position and annually thereafter.

Who May Apply: U.S. Citizens

Minimum Experience Requirement

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below.

Specialized Experience

• Interfacing with and operating advanced laboratory electro-optical instrumentation and diagnostic sensors (e.g., oscilloscopes, cameras, time delay generators, or remote sensors), including photon detector array technology (specifically in the infrared spectrum);
• Designing, developing, and deploying software tools or scripts (using languages such as Python, C++, MATLAB, or LabVIEW) to interface with, automate, and control benchtop hardware, microcontrollers, or embedded command-and-control systems;
• Conducting experimental characterization, calibration, or operational verification of hardware instrumentation systems; and
• Conducting original research and documenting findings, demonstrated through peer-reviewed journal publications, technical conference proceedings, issued patents, or formal end-user software/instrumentation training briefs.

This definition of specialized experience is typical work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service DB-02 (GS-11).

Minimum Education Requirement

1301 series:

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree (or higher degree) in 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: Courses equivalent to one of the majors, as 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.

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For 1301 series, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

FOREIGN EDUCATION

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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:

Candidates will be evaluated IAW OPM Requirements:

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor

To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (

Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements

GS Standards:

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.