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Senior Scientist Cognitive Neuroscience

Department of the Air Force
HQ USAF and Support Elements
Air Force Research Laboratory
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The Senior Scientist for Cognitive Neuroscience serves as the principal scientific authority and independent researcher in the field of cognitive neuroscience. The incumbent initiates, technically plans, coordinates, evaluates, and conducts research and development that increase the Air Force capabilities relative to this critical technological area.

Overview

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Job closed
Open & closing dates
12/03/2018 to 02/04/2019
Salary
$126,148 to - $183,000 per year
Pay scale & grade
ST 00
Location
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Multiple - Multiple Appointment Types
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
00
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
10367004-CVXS-18-37-JBT
Control number
518392600

Duties

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The Senior Scientist for Cognitive Neuroscience supports the Director and the Chief Scientist in technical reviews and assessment of programs and new study areas, and interacts with other Air Force and government agencies in matters relating to cognitive science, including: artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computational modeling and simulation, constructive agents, decision science, education and training, human performance and learning, intelligent tutoring systems, linguistics, mathematical modeling, and robust human-machine teaming. The primary objective is to advance the knowledge of cognitive science technologies to meet the needs of the Air Force.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Complete applications MUST be received by 11:50 p.m. (EST) of the closing date of the announcement to be considered
  • PCS expenses if authorized will be paid IAW JTR and Air Force Regulations
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • Position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Position requires the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
  • Must have or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET/SCI Security clearance
  • Must file an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report
  • Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT (Standard Form 278). Selected candidate must file this report in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
  • Veterans' preference is generally not applicable to the CSE.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Your conduct and character must demonstrate suitability for the position for which you are applying. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the Civilian Senior Executive corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations.

A. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing each TQ. TQs must provide specific examples that address relevant experience and accomplishments. Applicants should focus on recent experience, education, and training, as some Recruitment Panel and Executive Resources Board members may consider experience that's over 10 years old to be outdated. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:

1. In-depth knowledge of the research and development activities in more than one of the broad areas relative to neuroscience technology areas including one or more of the following: artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computational modeling and simulation, constructive agents, decision science, education and training, human performance and learning, intelligent tutoring systems, linguistics, mathematical modeling, and robust human-machine teaming.

2. Proven executive level experience in research program development and management. Ability to lead diverse teams of scientists and engineers in innovative, progressive research in support of Cognitive Neuroscience technology development.

3. Demonstrated experience in proposing, guiding, assessing, and fostering nascent and mature research efforts, and charter research teams covering the full spectrum of Cognitive Neuroscience support.

4. Ability to present and defend independent positions at the highest levels of government and/or industry.

B. SENIOR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should focus on recent experience, education, and training, as some Recruitment Panel and Executive Resources Board members may consider experience that's over 10 years old to be outdated. Supplemental statement addressing the following:

1. Contributions: Achievements that impacted the organizations mission and contributed to knowledge advancements in the field of Cognitive Neuroscience. Must be knowledgeable in the following: artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computational modeling and simulation, constructive agents, decision science, education and training, human performance and learning, intelligent tutoring systems, linguistics, mathematical modeling, and robust human-machine teaming

2. Leadership: Recognized leader in application of Cognitive Neuroscience as evidenced by personal impact to and enhancement of the organization's capability and scope.

3. Professional Stature: Recognized standing as indicated by memberships and activity in professional organizations and/or within the larger DoD/Industry professional community. This includes citations, honors, awards, patents, and publications and other forms of recognition such as requests for professional consultation, participation on committees and panels, which indicate acceptance by peer group as an authoritative source in the field.

C. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: The following will be used to help rate and rank candidates:

1. The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree, ideally a Ph.D in science or engineering with substantial, personal research experience in areas relevant to Cognitive Neuroscience or similar degree.

2. Fellowship or similar senior standing in scientific professional society.

Education

For 0800, General Engineering Series:

a. A professional engineering degree from an accredited institution is required. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
-OR-
b. A combination of education and experience as required by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Acceptable combinations of education and experience can be found at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule- qualification-standards/0800/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800/.

For 1301,General Physical Science Series:Physical science, engineering, or mathematics degree 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 above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education can be found at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversiqht/classification-qualifications/qeneral-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/general-physical-scienceseries-1301/.

For 0180, Psychology Series-major or equivalent in psychology for all specializations except clinical psychology and counseling psychology.
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/psychology-series-0180/.

Additional information

You MUST have one or more listed eligibilities (click "Learn more about this agency" button above) to be considered. Eligibility claims must be supported with required documentation submitted with each application package to be considered. "Transfer" and "Reinstatement" or equivalent eligibles must provide their most current SF-50 and the SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held if not reflected on most current/separation SF-50. *Air Force is not responsible for erroneous eligibilities you list or fail to list.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

The following conditions of employment apply:
A. TOP SECRET SECURITY CLEARANCE. Successful candidates must be able to meet the standards required for a national security clearance. Those standards are reflected in the SF 86 (www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/sf86.pdf). This position has been designated Critical-Sensitive and the selectee must have or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET clearance.
B. TRAVEL. Position requires travel under conditions specified in the DoD Joint Travel Regulations.
Incumbent is expected to travel on short notice.
C. POST-GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS. This position may be subject to the post-government employment restrictions of Sections 207(a) and (f) of Title 18, United States Code.
D. ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY MEMBERS. On resume, indicate when you are eligible for retirement.
E. RELOCATION AUTHORIZED: Yes. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
F. 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.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. The law made taxable certain reimbursements and other payments, including driving mileage, airfare and lodging expenses, en-route travel to the new duty station, and temporary storage of those items. The Federal Travel Regulation Bulletin (FTR) 18-05 issued by General Services Administration (GSA) has authorized agencies to use the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) and Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) to pay for "substantially all" of the increased tax liability resulting from the "2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" for certain eligible individuals. For additional information on WTA/RITA allowances and eligibilities, please visit: https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/FTR%20Bulletin%2018_05%20Relocation%20Allowances_0.pdf

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.


APPOINTMENT TYPES:

A. EXTERNAL to federal government: Candidate selected from outside of the government will be appointed to a flexible term appointment. The flexible term appointment can be utilized for up to a five (5) year period and may be extended in up to five (5) year increments. Candidates may be eligible for conversion to a career appointment if services are deemed permanent, served a minimum of one year of continuous service on the term appointment and have at least a fully successful performance rating.

B. INTERNAL Air Force employees: Candidate selected who is a current AFRL employee will be placed on a flexible temporary promotion. The flexible temporary promotion can be utilized for up to a five (5) year period and extended in up to five (5) year increments. Candidates may be permanently promoted if services are deemed permanent, served a minimum of one (1) year of continuous service on the temporary promotion
and have a least a fully successful performance rating.

C. Current federal employees external to air force: Candidate selected who is a current non-AFRL government employee will be placed on a flexible temporary promotion. Candidate selected who is a current non-AFRL permanent government employee will be reassigned to an AFRL DR-IV (GS-15 equivalent) position then placed on a flexible temporary promotion. The flexible temporary promotion can be utilized for up to a five (5) year period and extended in up to five (5) year increments. Candidates may be converted to a career appointment if services are deemed permanent, served a minimum of one (1) year of continuous service on the temporary promotion and have a least a fully successful performance rating.

Applications will be evaluated against the foregoing qualification requirements. Failure to meet any one of the mandatory technical or senior professional qualification standards will eliminate a candidate from further consideration. A screening panel will evaluate the candidates for this position composed of a diverse mix of senior executives selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel members will individually review each of the applications in terms of the qualifications criteria contained in this announcement. The qualifications stated are the minimum requirements of the position to be Qualified, a rating schedule will be applied by a screening panel to determine which candidates are considered to be Best Qualified. Then, they will meet to discuss each application, and reach a consensus decision as to the best qualified, qualified or not qualified candidates. The panel will interview all of the best-qualified candidates based upon consistently applied criteria. The panel will then make a recommendation of those best-qualified candidates who should be referred to the selecting official, in priority order. Final selection of a candidate is contingent upon the Air Force Executive Resources Board, Secretary of the Air Force and the Office of Personnel Management approval.

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