The Office of Science is the largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, providing more than 40 percent of total funding in this area. It oversees and is the principal federal funding agency of the Nation's research programs in high-energy physics, nuclear physics, fusion energy sciences, materials and chemical sciences, biological and environmental sciences, and computing sciences.
Summary
The Office of Science is the largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, providing more than 40 percent of total funding in this area. It oversees and is the principal federal funding agency of the Nation's research programs in high-energy physics, nuclear physics, fusion energy sciences, materials and chemical sciences, biological and environmental sciences, and computing sciences.
As the Associate Director, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences you will:
Serve as an international expert in the areas of research and the scientific user facilities supported by
the Office's program. Formulate program goals, strategic directions, priorities, and plans for the Office,
factoring in advice provided by the scientific advisory committee, as appropriate.
Formulate, direct, implement, administer, evaluate, and defend programs and policies necessary
for the efficient implementation of a complex, comprehensive program in fusion energy sciences / plasma sciences
research. Prepare complex reports, papers, and policies on subjects covering areas of research and the
scientific user facilities to be used by a variety of individuals and/groups.
Develop the budget requirements for activities at national laboratories, universities, and other research
institutions. Assist the head of the organization in formulating budget requests and defending budget
requests through DOE, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Science and Technology
Policy, and Congressional committees.
Integrate the efforts of the program elements, particularly the elements that support research with
those that support the design, construction, and operations of instrumentation and the scientific user
facilities. Integrate the program with other organizational programs; other DOE and Federal research
programs such as those of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and National Science
Foundation (NSF). Assure effective interagency planning, coordination, and evaluation of programs
that cut across agencies.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THIS VACANCY: This is a career position in the SES. Unless the selectee is already a member of the SES with career status or has successfully completed an SES Candidate Development Program certified by OPM, executive qualifications must be approved by OPM before the appointment can be effected. If you are selected, you will be responsible for working with a DOE Executive Consultant to finalize your ECQ narrative for OPM submission.
CITIZENSHIP: You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE (HSPD-12): A selectee's appointment is contingent upon compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity.
PUBLIC FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT (OGE 278): If you are selected for this position, will be required to file this report prior to entry on duty in accordance with the Ethics of Government Act of 1978.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: An individual's initial SES career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a one-year probationary period.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: You must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance
DRUG TESTING: As a condition of appointment to this position, you will be subject to pre-employment/pre-appointment testing for illegal drug use under the U.S. Department of Energy Employee Drug Plan. If you are selected you will be provided information regarding drug testing. Failure to undergo testing or positive findings resulting from the test will eliminate you from further consideration for this position. If selected for and appointed to this position you will be subject to random drug testing while employed.
SELECTIVE SERVICE: All males born after December 31, 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
MOBILITY: A mobility agreement may be required based on mission needs.
E-VERIFY: New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
Qualifications
Resume-Based Resume: Applicants must show possession of the ECQs and any technical qualifications via resume. Your resume presented will reflect that you possess the ECQs and give a synopsis of your accomplishments. The application process used to recruit for this position is the RESUME BASED method. Although applicants cannot address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) separately, evidence of each must be clearly demonstrated in the five (5) page resume and throughout the rest of the application package to include the MTQ narrative (required as an attachment to the application).
ECQ 1: LEADING CHANGE: Ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals and establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. ECQ 2: LEADING PEOPLE: Ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals and provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. ECQ 3: RESULTS DRIVEN: Ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations, and make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. ECQ 4: BUSINESS ACUMEN: Ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. ECQ 5: BUILDING COALITIONS: Ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required by law to review the executive core qualifications of each new career appointee to the Senior Executive Service (SES) prior to appointment.For additional information on ECQs, please review the detailed information provided by OPM at the following link: Executive Core Qualifications.
Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs):A supplemental narrative must be uploaded and attached to your application addressing each MTQ listed below. No more than one (1) page per MTQ is allowed; additional informational information will not be considered. MTQs must provide specific examples that address relevant experience and accomplishments. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following MTQs.Failure to submit a narrative statement addressing each of the MTQs may cause your application to be deemed incomplete and not be considered.
MTQ 1: Demonstrate knowledge of and experience in research and operations of scientific facilities in the areas of fusion energy sciencessufficient to serve as the principal advisor for the Office of Science. This is based on formal training, extensive personal research, and work experience.
MTQ 2: Demonstrate capabilities in scientific and technical leadership and in the management of innovative research programs, scientific facilities, and national and international collaborations in the area of fusion energy sciences.
MTQ 3: Demonstrate capabilities in formulating, developing, and executing overall policies, program emphasis, strategic planning with the application of extensive scientific knowledge, breadth of insight, and technical expertise in fusion energy science.
Education
General Physical Science Series, 1301
Individual Occupational Requirements
Basic Requirements:
Degree: 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 -- 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.
Physics Series, 1310
Individual Occupational Requirements
Basic Requirements:
Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.
or
Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
You must provide a copy of your transcripts from an accredited institution. Be sure to include those transcripts directly applicable to determining your meeting the education requirements. Failure to provide proof of education will result in non-consideration for this position. OFFICIAL ORIGINAL TRANSCRIPTS will be required to be provided prior to entrance-on-duty for individuals selected.
Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see Department of Education
Additional information
The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Telework: Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the DOE Workplace Flexibilities policy. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov
OF-306: You may be required to complete an OF-306, "Declaration for Federal Employment" form used to (a) determine your suitability for Federal Employment and/or (b) in conducting an investigation to determine your suitability or ability to hold a security clearance.
Applications contain information subject to the Privacy Act (PL 93 579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education (if applicable). Your application will be rated and ranked by an Executive Resources Board (ERB) Panel, comprised of at least three SES members, using only the information submitted within the application package. Applicants who do not demonstrate in their application sufficient possession of the ECQs & MTQs will be determined ineligible for further consideration.
As part of the Resume Based recruitment method, the ERB Panel conducts a structured interview for all applicants, both competitive and non-competitive, who are determined to be in the top category from the ERB Rating Panel. Based on the Panel's evaluation, applicants who are determined Best Qualified will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
Veteran's Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive service (SES).
Once a candidate has been identified for selection, reference checks may be completed. The Department's appointing official(s) will make a final approval of the selection, and in competitive cases, OPM's Qualifications Review Board (QRB) must certify the ECQs before final appointment can occur. If OPM/QRB certification is required, the candidate identified for selection is required to prepare their ECQ package for OPM/QRB certification. Verification of performance, suitability and security information from reference checks will be taken into consideration when making offers of employment.
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.
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.
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. If you fail to submit required documentation before the announcement closes, you will be rated "ineligible."
You must submit:
1. ALL APPLICANTS - Five (5) page ECQ-based Resume including the following:
-Full name, mailing and email addresses, day & evening telephone numbers
-Education information including:
--Name, city, state of colleges/universities attended, major & type of degree received.
--Report only schools accredited by the accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
-All work experience (paid and unpaid) including:
-Job title, duties/accomplishments, employer's name/address, start/end dates (include month, day, and year), average hours per week worked, salary
-Honors, awards, special accomplishments
2. ALL APPLICANTS - MTQ Narrative (no more than one page per MTQ, at least 10 point font size).
3. Current or former career SES members must provide a SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
4. Applicants who have successfully completed an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their certification.
5. Current or former Federal Civilian employees, must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (non-award) documenting show the following: 1) Full position title; 2) appointment type; 3) occupational series; 4) pay plan, grade, and step; 5) tenure code; 6) service computation date (SCD).
6. ALL APPLICANTS - If positive education requirement: you must submit a copy of your transcript(s) or a separate course listing showing the course title, department, hours earned (quarters or semester), and grade. If you have completed any part of your education outside of the U.S., you must submit the evaluation of your foreign education that has been prepared by an accredited organization. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) can provide a list of who can evaluate your foreign education. For additional information, visit Department of Education
In addition, you have the option of submitting a cover letter (one page maximum).
All documents must be uploaded into the system; USAJobs Resume Builder resumes will not be accepted. Fonts cannot be smaller than 10 point.
Separate written narratives addressing the ECQs will not be considered.
Pages submitted in excess of the limits described above will not be considered. Substituting pages for other required documents in the application is not acceptable (e.g., submitting only a four-page resume but adding an additional page to address an MTQ). Do not use borders, provide photos or list a Social Security Number or date of birth on any attachment.
Please review: Tips for preparing SES applications. We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions.
It is important that you are complete and thorough in your resume. Please be sure to include and address all ECQs & MTQs in your resume and application package. A sample 5-page resume that incorporates ECQs can be viewed on this link (indexed at page 29-37): Guide to SES Quals
If you are selected for this position, you may be asked to provide additional documentation to verify your responses.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration. Faxed or e-mailed applications and/or resumes will not be accepted. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
All statements made in this application are subject to investigation and any false or dishonest answer to any question may be grounds for disqualification and loss of consideration. If your resume does not support the responses in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible' or 'not qualified'.
To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Office of Science - Headquarters
P.O. Box 5088
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
US
Next steps
You may check your application status any time after the announcement closes. USAJOBS has added an alert setting to the system to drive status updates notification for applicants. We recommend that you update your USAJOBS profile to receive these status updates via email after the announcement closes. We will continue to update your status on-line as changes are made. Applicants who meet the mandatory ECQs and MTQs will be evaluated by a panel of senior executives. Failure to meet all qualifications automatically disqualifies an applicant. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. Persons tentatively selected for appointment to SES positions must prepare their ECQ package for OPM/QRB certification. The QRB review and certification is the last critical step in the SES selection process, and all SES candidates must have their executive qualifications certified by a QRB before being appointed as career members of the SES. Eligibility for this position will be based upon a clear showing that the applicant has experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry out assignments of the position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. If you fail to submit required documentation before the announcement closes, you will be rated "ineligible."
You must submit:
1. ALL APPLICANTS - Five (5) page ECQ-based Resume including the following:
-Full name, mailing and email addresses, day & evening telephone numbers
-Education information including:
--Name, city, state of colleges/universities attended, major & type of degree received.
--Report only schools accredited by the accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
-All work experience (paid and unpaid) including:
-Job title, duties/accomplishments, employer's name/address, start/end dates (include month, day, and year), average hours per week worked, salary
-Honors, awards, special accomplishments
2. ALL APPLICANTS - MTQ Narrative (no more than one page per MTQ, at least 10 point font size).
3. Current or former career SES members must provide a SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
4. Applicants who have successfully completed an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their certification.
5. Current or former Federal Civilian employees, must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (non-award) documenting show the following: 1) Full position title; 2) appointment type; 3) occupational series; 4) pay plan, grade, and step; 5) tenure code; 6) service computation date (SCD).
6. ALL APPLICANTS - If positive education requirement: you must submit a copy of your transcript(s) or a separate course listing showing the course title, department, hours earned (quarters or semester), and grade. If you have completed any part of your education outside of the U.S., you must submit the evaluation of your foreign education that has been prepared by an accredited organization. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) can provide a list of who can evaluate your foreign education. For additional information, visit Department of Education
In addition, you have the option of submitting a cover letter (one page maximum).
All documents must be uploaded into the system; USAJobs Resume Builder resumes will not be accepted. Fonts cannot be smaller than 10 point.
Separate written narratives addressing the ECQs will not be considered.
Pages submitted in excess of the limits described above will not be considered. Substituting pages for other required documents in the application is not acceptable (e.g., submitting only a four-page resume but adding an additional page to address an MTQ). Do not use borders, provide photos or list a Social Security Number or date of birth on any attachment.
Please review: Tips for preparing SES applications. We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions.
It is important that you are complete and thorough in your resume. Please be sure to include and address all ECQs & MTQs in your resume and application package. A sample 5-page resume that incorporates ECQs can be viewed on this link (indexed at page 29-37): Guide to SES Quals
If you are selected for this position, you may be asked to provide additional documentation to verify your responses.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration. Faxed or e-mailed applications and/or resumes will not be accepted. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
All statements made in this application are subject to investigation and any false or dishonest answer to any question may be grounds for disqualification and loss of consideration. If your resume does not support the responses in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible' or 'not qualified'.
To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Office of Science - Headquarters
P.O. Box 5088
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
US
Next steps
You may check your application status any time after the announcement closes. USAJOBS has added an alert setting to the system to drive status updates notification for applicants. We recommend that you update your USAJOBS profile to receive these status updates via email after the announcement closes. We will continue to update your status on-line as changes are made. Applicants who meet the mandatory ECQs and MTQs will be evaluated by a panel of senior executives. Failure to meet all qualifications automatically disqualifies an applicant. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. Persons tentatively selected for appointment to SES positions must prepare their ECQ package for OPM/QRB certification. The QRB review and certification is the last critical step in the SES selection process, and all SES candidates must have their executive qualifications certified by a QRB before being appointed as career members of the SES. Eligibility for this position will be based upon a clear showing that the applicant has experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry out assignments of the position.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
