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Department of the Air Force Chief Scientist

Department of the Air Force
Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.

The DAF Chief Scientist is responsible for evaluating the DAF technical research program to determine its adequacy and efficiency in meeting national, DoD, and DAF objectives in core technology areas; identifying research gaps and analyzing advancements in a broad variety of scientific fields and advise on their impact on DAF programs and mission objectives.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
11/27/2024 to 12/11/2024
Salary
$147,649 to - $213,000 per year
Pay scale & grade
ST 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Pentagon, Arlington, VA
Remote job
No
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
Term - 4 Years
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
00
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
MRL2024-52
Control number
821311100

Duties

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1. Serves as the principal scientific/technical advisor and primary authority for the technical content of the Department of the Air Force S&T portfolio. Evaluates the DAF technical research program to determine its adequacy and efficiency in meeting national, DoD, and DAF objectives in core technology areas. Identifies research gaps and analyzes advancements in a broad variety of scientific fields to advise on their impact on DAF programs and mission objectives. Recommends new initiatives and adjustments to current research programs required to meet current and future Air and Space Force needs. Programs judged by the SAF/ST to be worthy of intensive and extensive exploration are of national and/or international significance and involve many major and exceptionally critical scientific and engineering problems. Novel interdisciplinary approaches are often required.

2. Advises the Secretary of the Air Force, providing independent evaluations and objective advice across a broad range of technology related subjects. Advice is based primarily on technical merit. Subjects are derived from:
1.1. Tasks assigned by the Secretary of the Air Force, the Under Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Chief of Space Operations.
1.2. Technical/research/science issues determined by the SAF/ST to be of high DAF importance.
3. Advises senior leaders across the DAF on S&T and R&D matters, as appropriate. The SAF/ST interacts with organizations across the Air Force, Space Force, other services, the Department of Defense, and other U.S. Departments to research technical issues. In doing so, identifies and analyzes issues affecting various levels of the DAF and brings them to the attention of the Secretariat and Air and Space Force leaders, as appropriate.
4. As a nationally recognized scientific expert, provides authoritative counsel and advice to DAF leadership and S&T organizations within the DAF. Provides needed technical sophistication, stature, and experience to represent the Department of the Air Force S&T community in engagements with the international scientific community. Fosters and leads collaboration with foreign countries as well as other services and agencies, universities, and industry. Serves as an authoritative consultant or member on boards and/or panels charged with advising on and evaluating the need for scientific and engineering R&D programs having national and/or international significance and import. Represents the Department of the Air Force at high level technical meetings and conferences and at DoD, interagency, international, and White House forums, as appropriate.
5. Guiding DAF S&T leadership. The Chief Scientist serves as a focal point for DAF S&T:
  1. 5.1 Convening and chairing semi-annual meetings of Air and Space Force S&T leadership to discuss Air and Space Force-wide technical issues and effect cross flow between technical areas and the operational Air and Space Forces. Attendees include chief scientists and technical directors from laboratories, test centers, major commands, and others, as appropriate.
  2. 5.2 Serving on the Scientist and Engineer Advisory Council (SEAC), chaired by the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition) (SAF/AQ), which oversees the health of science and engineering career fields across the Air For
  3. 5.3. Serving on the Scientist and Engineer Advisory Council (SEAC), chaired by the Assistant Secretary of the Space Force (Acquisition) (SAF/SQ), which oversees the health of science and engineering career fields across the Space Force.
6. Evaluates theoretical and experimental studies within multiple critical technological areas. Defines and selects specific topics for investigations based on technical objectives, own authoritative knowledge of subjects and own inventions and concepts. Integrates scientific advances with the technical state-of-the-art and military technology requirements and technically guides research and development efforts accordingly. Serves as a member of the Air and Space Force Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) Steering Committees. Participates in the definition of studies and selection of candidates for membership and the chairperson and attending SAB meetings and study groups as appropriate.
7. Sponsoring and administering the DAF-level Science and Technology award programs as outlined in AFI 36-2843, Science and Technology Awards. The SAF/ST evaluates the quality, novelty, and merit of Department of the Air Force level science and technology award submissions and recommends award recipients to the Secretary of the Air Force.

8. There are no Field Operating Agencies reporting to the SAF/ST.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. citizenship is 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: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • 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.
  • Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be offered.
  • Active Duty Military Members must indicate retirement eligibility.
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Qualifications

ST QUALIFICATIONS: ST positions require substantial experience and significant scientific contributions related to the scientific disciplines and topic areas described in this position description. The candidate must have at least 3 years of specialized experience in, or closely related to, the field in which the candidate will work; and at least 1 year of this experience (must have been in planning and executing difficult programs of national significance or planning and executing specialized programs that show outstanding attainments in the field of research or consultation. Experience can include paid and unpaid experience, including federal/non-federal government, volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience.

A. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To meet the minimum requirements for this Department of the Air Force ST position, you must have (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-14/GG-14/NH-04 or equivalent or specialized experience obtained in the private sector related to the duties of this ST position.

B. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (NTE 6 Pages Total): 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 members may consider experience that's over 10 years old to be outdated. The MTQ write-up should not exceed 6 pages total. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:

1. Demonstrated collaboration with foreign countries as well as other services and agencies, universities, and industry. Expert level as an authoritative consultant or member on boards and/or panels charged with advising on and evaluating the need for scientific and engineering R&D programs having national and/or international significance and import.

2. Ability to evaluate theoretical and experimental studies within multiple critical technological areas. Proven ability to defines and select specific topics for investigations based on technical objectives, own authoritative knowledge of subjects and own inventions and concepts. Expert knowledge in Integrating scientific advances with technical state of the-art and military technology requirements and technically guides research and development efforts accordingly.

C. MANDATORY SENIOR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (NTE 3 Pages Total): Upload in PDF format - 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: Limit your responses to 1 page per SPQ and upload as a PDF titled SPQ.

(1) Contributions: Achievements that impacted the organizations mission and contributed to knowledge advancements in the fields of Science and Technology.

(2) Leadership: Recognized leader in Science & Technology (S&T) and Research & Development (R&D) program development and management, 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, which indicate acceptance by peer group as an authoritative source in the field.

D. Specialized Experience: The position requires the candidate to be a nationally recognized figure in their field of science with a high level of experience of sufficient breadth and depth to enable the development of S&T programs and policy for the Department of the Air Force. The position requires demonstrated technical competence, a high degree of creativity, keen scientific insight, initiative, and the ability to make independent decisions. The highest scientific stature and reputation is required to materially enhance the effectiveness of the office and promote acceptance and cooperation of participating activities.

Additionally, executive-level experience in R&D program development and management; outstanding ability to establish and maintain interorganizational collaboration and partnerships; a high level of personal initiative, creative problem-solving skills, the ability to rapidly formulate and communicate decisions; and the ability to present and defend independent positions at the highest levels of government are required. National recognition as evidenced by significant technical achievements and contributions; participation on national/international level technical committees and panels, etc.; high-level scientific/technical honors and awards; and other equivalent recognition is required.

Education

This is an interdisciplinary professional position involving duties and responsibilities closely related to more than one professional occupation. As a result, the nature of the work is such that persons with education and experience in one of the two different professions (listed below) may be considered equally well qualified to do the work. To be qualified, the incumbent must meet one of the education requirements for one of the three occupational series listed below. Note: Acceptable combinations of education and experience for each series are listed on The Office of Personnel Management website under the General Schedule Qualification Standards.

(a) General Engineering (0801) series requires: 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; (t) 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 a combination of education and experience.

(b) General Physical Science (1301)series requires: A 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 a combination of education and experience---education equivalent to one of the majors shown in above that included at least 24 semester bouts in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

An advanced degree or doctorate in science, engineering or a related professional discipline is highly desired.

Additional information

The qualifications, stature, and contributions of an individual involved in research and development have a direct and major impact on the level of difficulty and responsibility of the work performed. ST incumbents would be expected to possess a graduate degree, significant research experience, and a national or international reputation in their field.

Typically, an applicant for an ST position-- has authored fundamental papers in the field of expertise that are widely used and cited;-- has received significant honors from major organizations for his/her accomplishments and contributions; and-- is sought as an advisor and consultant on scientific and technological issues

Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to Scientific and Professional (ST) positions.

Relocation Authorized: Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be offered.

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

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, 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. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.

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

How you will be evaluated

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

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. Candidates will be evaluated for this position by a screening panel composed of a diverse mix of senior executives and/or general officers selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel discusses each application and reaches consensus as to the Best Qualified, Qualified or Not Qualified candidates. Only the Best Qualified candidates will be interviewed. 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 is contingent upon USecAF approval.

REMINDER: Before uploading your required PDF documents (Resume, Technical Qualification narrative, Senior Professional Qualifications), please ensure they DO NOT EXCEED the noted page limits.

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