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PHYSICAL SCIENTIST

Department of Defense
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Research and Development Directorate

Summary

This position may be filled using Direct Hire Authority: Z5CAV/Direct-Hire Authority (Certain DoD Personnel) PL 118-31, Sec 125OB (i)(2), 12/22/2023.This position is being filled under the memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) "Expansion of Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense," dated August 12,2024.

This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Research and Development Directorate.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 07/06/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 6, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—This position is an in-person position at facilities located at Fort Belvoir, VA. This position may be eligible for limited, situational telework subject to supervisory approval and not to exceed current Agency guidelines.  This position is not eligible for remote telework.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$169,279 - $197,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 15
Promotion potential
15
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
DTRA-26-12990565-DH
Control number
873861000

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to All U.S. Citizens, and is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense. Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612)(NonComp Mil Sp), DoD Civilian Spouse, Retained Grade Preference (RGP), and Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibles may also apply.

Duties

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This position may be filled using Direct Hire Authority: Z5CAV/Direct-Hire Authority (Certain DoD Personnel) PL 118-31, Sec 125OB (i)(2), 12/22/2023.This position is being filled under the memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) "Expansion of Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense," dated August 12,2024.

As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST at the GS-1301-15 some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Directs the design, development, implementation, and dissemination of a significant component of DTRA's research and development efforts involving modeling and simulation of nuclear weapons effects for measures of performance, effectiveness, and suitability, and provides technical expertise on these research matters.
  • Manages and coordinates efforts that address the needs of DTRA and the Department of War (DoW) for modeling and simulation predictions of the impact of nuclear weapon use on military and civilian personnel, equipment, and systems and involves the activities of numerous other government, commercial, and academic organizations.
  • Oversees the development of nuclear effects modeling and simulation, data integration, and data visualization capabilities appropriate for use in decision support software applications designed for non-technical Senior decision makers to evaluate acquisition and operational plans.
  • Serves as scientific advisor to DTRA superiors, staff, and other DoW services/agencies for the reduction of militarily significant uncertainties in targeting and collateral effects predictions.
  • Prepares budget estimates, provides for continuity of effort, and reviews service proposals and proposals from commercial research and development firms in support of modeling and simulation of nuclear weapons effects for measures of performance, effectiveness, and suitability.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Travel, including international, in the performance of temporary assignments may be required up to 10% of duty time.
  • Work Schedule: Full-time
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Overtime/compensatory time may be required to accommodate operational needs of the organization.
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized based on funding availability
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position may be eligible for limited, situational telework subject to supervisory approval and not to exceed current Agency guidelines. This position is not eligible for remote telework.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance and access to North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information, and Restricted Data information.
  • Must consent to and pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to periodic random drug testing thereafter.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
  • The employee must be willing to comply with each Combatant Command (COCOM) travel medical requirement to include vaccinations.
  • May be subject to random DoD counterintelligence scope polygraph if assigned to programs or duty locations that have such a requirement.
  • Incumbent is required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE 450, upon entering the position, annually, and upon termination of employment, in accordance with DOD Directive 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation, August 30, 1993.
  • Acquisition Workforce position in Engineering/Technical Management functional area. Required to become certified at the ETM Foundational tier within 3 years and the ETM Practitioner tier within 5 years.
  • The incumbent is required to acquire a minimum of 40 continuous learning points (CLPs) every fiscal year as a goal with 80 CLPs being mandatory within 2 years.

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS -15 , if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service as listed below:

  • Creating, coordinating and executing large research, development, test and evaluation programs to successful outcomes
  • Translating basic scientific principles into capabilities for non-technical Senior decision makers
  • Building, directing and guiding multi-functional and multi-national teams to successful outcomes
  • Managing financial resources to achieve fiscal goals in a timely manner, including adjusting plans based on emerging requirements
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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1301, series as listed below:
  • 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.
  • 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.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.



Additional information

Other Notes:

ACQUISITION POSITION: This position requires Acquisition Workforce Level Practitioner and Engineer, Technical and Management (ETM) Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 24 months after entry into this position.

RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT: This position DOES NOT meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF?ver=LQ7feWw-8-5DI2tceUpmgA%3d%3d

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements: Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses

All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.

You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Who Needs to Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov))

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified below, required for this position.

Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements.

Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.

For information on entitlement see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx

Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible:- Submit a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation, such as the notification letter you received showing you are no longer eligible for military or NG membership (through no fault of your own) and that you have completed at least 15 years of technician service and a minimum of 20 years of service creditable for non-regular retirement.

DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Preference Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement:
In order to receive this preference, you must choose the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Receiving Disability Retirement eligibility, and fill out and submit the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible:- You must provide a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist, DD3145-1 (whs.mil), a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF) 50 effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.

Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the " Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp)" eligibility. If you are claiming Military Spouse eligibility and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager. Information and required documentation for claiming Military Spouse eligibility may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below.

DoD Civilian Spouse Hiring Authority (Noncompetitive):
You are required to submit proof of marriage and PCS orders.
Current or former Federal employee most recent Sf-50.

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency provides cross-cutting solutions to enable the DoD, the United States Government, and international partners to DETER strategic attack against the United States and it's allies; PREVENT, reduce, and counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and emerging threats; and PREVAIL against WMD-armed adversaries in crisis and conflict.

Agency contact information

DTRA Servicing Team
Phone
614-693-0259
Fax
(215) 516-6068
Email
DHRC-DDTRAHR@dla.mil
Address
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
8725 JOHN J KINGMAN ROAD
MSC 6201
FT BELVOIR, VA 22060-6201
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Defense Threat Reduction Agency, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.dtra.mil

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