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Physical Scientist

Department of the Treasury
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located in the Materials and Application Division (MAD), Office of Technology Development (OTD), Chief Technology Officer Directorate. This Division is responsible for leading the technical development of new materials and processes, improving product quality and production efficiency in the manufacture of US currency and other Bureau products.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
08/10/2021 to 08/24/2021
Salary
$87,198 to - $113,362 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
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
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
21-BEP-300-A
Control number
610284400

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

All candidates who are: (1) Current Bureau of Engraving and Printing internal employees who are qualifying as Status Eligibles or currently serving on a permanent Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), (2) CTAP eligibles

Duties

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The following are the duties of this position at the GS-13. 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.

-Develop new substrates. Apply knowledge of paper manufacturing and/or textiles, including a practical knowledge of paper/textile chemistry, to identify new additives and coatings and incorporate them in samples. Determine the physical properties of paper/textiles and their environmental dependence. Perform fiber analysis and use common laboratory equipment including microscopes, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy (ultra violet- visible-near infrared) and, FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy).
-Develop new formulations, modify production ink formulations, lead the effort for updating test protocols and/or developing new test methods and procedures used for quality control, Perform a full range of testing and analyses including UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy (ultra violet- visible-near infrared) , FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), rheological profiles, drying time, fineness of grind etc.
-Develop new analytical methods and transition those into a production environment to enable in-line or at-line testing. Perform chemical testing including UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy (ultra violet- visible-near infrared), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), and thermal analysis. Analyze materials, their interactions, environmental dependence and the impact of these properties on production.
-Work in groups and matrix teams; mentor and provide technical advice and assistance to resolve problems; review work products to ensure they meet the goals of the organization.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

The experience may have been gained in either the public, private sector or volunteer service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week on your résumé.

Key Requirements:
  1. Please refer to "Conditions of Employment."
  2. Click "Print Preview" to review the entire announcement before applying.
  3. Must be U.S. Citizen or U.S. National

Qualifications

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Individual Occupational Requirements For the 1301 Physical Scientist:

Basic Requirements:
A.
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's 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
B.
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.

Specialized experience: For the GS-12, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
-Experience related to a combination of: paper science, natural/manmade polymer films, surface modifications, ink/pints/coating formulation, AND
-Experience in test method development, sample preparation, instrumental data collection, processing, and analysis using instruments such as Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) or Ultra-Violet-Visible-Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-NIR), AND
-Experience developing conclusions from data and communicating results both orally and in writing to both technical and non-technical audiences, AND
-Experience leading/managing projects in traditional or matrix teams

In addition to the above requirements, you must meet the following time-in-grade requirement, if applicable:
For the GS-12, you must have been at the GS-11 level for 52 weeks.

Education

Individual Occupational Requirements For the 1301 Physical Scientist:

Basic Requirements:
A.
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's 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
B.
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.

The education generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Additional information

OTHER INFORMATION:

  • We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
  • This is a non-bargaining unit position.
  • We offer opportunities for telework.
  • We offer opportunities for flexible work schedules.
  • The facility typically shuts down annually between Christmas and New Year's Day. As such, all BEP employees must take leave for work days during the shutdown period.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  • A one year probationary period may be required.
  • Must successfully complete a background investigation.
  • Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
  • Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel.
  • Wear required safety clothing and/or equipment required by the position. This may include protective clothing, hearing protection, eye wear, safety shoes, etc.
  • Shift Work: Occasional unsocial hours will be required to support press trials.
  • Weekend work and overtime, if applicable, will be scheduled when needed based on production requirements as determined by Management.

Our comprehensive benefits are very generous. Our benefits package includes:

  • Challenging work, opportunities for advancement, competitive salaries, bonuses and incentive awards.
  • Ten paid holidays, 13 days of sick leave, and 13 to 26 days of vacation time each year.
  • Access to insurance programs that may be continued after you retire.
  • A wide choice of health insurance plans, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and no waiting periods. We pay a substantial amount (up to 75%) of the health insurance premiums. [remove if a temp appointment]
  • A retirement program which includes employer-matching contributions.
  • Learn more about Federal benefits programs at: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application includes your résumé, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your résumé includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination.


Rating: Your application will be evaluated in the following areas: Technical, Analytical, Project Management, and Communication. Your application will be rated and ranked among others, based on your responses to the online questions, regarding your experience, education, training, performance appraisals and awards relevant to the duties of this position. A subject matter expert may be used in the evaluation. Your rating may be lowered if your responses to the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application.

Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview. We will not reimburse costs related to the interview such as travel to and from the interview site.

If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) you must score 90 or better to be rated as "well qualified" to receive special selection priority.

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