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Physical Scientist (Forensic Quality Control)

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Medical Command
Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Lab
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for STEM Positions and Cyber Security and related positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: Serves as a Physical Scientist in the Quality Control Section of the Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory (FTDTL), which supports the Department of Defense Drug Control Program.

Overview

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Job canceled
Open & closing dates
12/20/2024 to 01/02/2025
Salary
$82,764 to - $107,590 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Fort Meade, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
HSM1MC245816645331HW
Control number
825328100

Duties

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  • Use chemical stoichiometry to manufacture solutions utilized for the calibration and control of laboratory assays used in testing for drugs of abuse.
  • Utilize and apply analytical and evaluative methods to ensure open and blind control samples are performing within the quantitative/qualitative parameters.
  • Perform quality control review of all laboratory assays to ensure technical compliance with guidelines.
  • Maintain and calibrate quality control equipment.
  • Review scientific data to ensure open and blind control samples are used appropriately.
  • Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to create chain of custody forms.
  • Create the intra-laboratory chain of custody documents necessary to certify these solutions meet technical specifications for use in testing methods.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Incumbent is required to obtain FTDTL certification in quality control (QC) functions and as a quality control laboratory certifying official (QCLCO) within 6 months of hire.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% or less of the time.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the Education And/Or Experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement:
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.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

To qualify based on your work experience, your resume must describe at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service which includes experience: 1) Coordinating with Laboratory sections to ensure quality control review of laboratory assays and specimen handling/processing to ensure technical compliance; 2) Performing technical duties to include preparation and monitoring of all quality control materials, reviewing and approving technical procedures, evaluating, interpreting and resolving quality control trends and shifts and supporting all new method evaluations; 3) Utilizing mathematical calculations to prepare quality control reports, resulting in statistical data on the calibrators and controls used in testing for drugs of abuse; 4) ) Creating intra-laboratory chain of custody documents necessary to certify quality control solutions meet technical specifications for use in testing methods.

Education


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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a Career Program (CP) 16 - Engineers & Scientists (Non Construction) position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • Information may be requested regarding the vaccination status of selectees for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols. For more information, visit https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/faq/vaccinations/
  • Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service may be authorized.
  • Credit for Prior Non-Federal Work Experience and Certain Military Service for determining Annual Leave Accrual Rate may be authorized.

How you will be evaluated

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

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

  • Separated Military Members: Resumes will be accepted from members of the Armed Forces who indicate in their applications that they are available for appointment within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. Military members may be appointed while on terminal/transitional leave, before the effective date of their military retirement/separation.
  • Military Retirees: Within the DoD (Department of Defense), including non-appropriated fund positions, the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following the retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326 or 5 U.S.C. 5305.

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