Physical Scientist

What you would do

• Oversees the Scientific Research Department, including personnel, budgets, and work assignments.
• Plans and runs research on artists' materials, their chemistry, and how they break down.
• Plans and runs tests to evaluate materials used for conservation.
• Publishes scientific findings and supports staff research.
• Works with conservators and curators on programs and publications.

Do you qualify for NF-15?

With experience: You need at least 1 year of experience at a level comparable to GS-14, which is a senior federal grade. The experience must involve scientific methods and equipment used to study materials found in artwork.

With education: A degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. You can also combine education and experience.

How to apply well

What to send:

• Resume, no more than 2 pages, showing name, email, work schedule, hours per week, employment dates, duties, and pay plan, series, and grade for federal jobs
• Unofficial school transcripts if you use education to qualify; official transcripts are required before appointment
• Veterans' preference documents if you claim it, such as a DD-214
• Optional: cover letter and most recent performance appraisal

How you will be rated: Your resume is rated on your experience, education, and training, and on four skills: managing a research organization, planning research on artworks, knowledge of artists' materials and techniques, and conducting and publishing research. A subject matter expert reviews your application, and you may be asked for writing or work samples. Overstating your qualifications or cheating on an assessment can get you removed from consideration.

Tips for this job:

• Your resume must list the month and year and the hours per week for all qualifying experience, including volunteer work.
• Include the pay plan, series, and grade for any federal experience, or the reviewers cannot count it.
• Upload unofficial transcripts that show at least 24 semester hours in physical science or related engineering if you use education to qualify.

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Full-time. Travel of 25% or less, including domestic and international travel.

Incentives and relocation: The position may be offered a recruitment incentive. Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Conditions of employment:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Employer uses the E-Verify program to check work eligibility
• Men born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Must pass a pre-employment background investigation
• Must be found suitable for federal employment after a background investigation
• May be required to serve a supervisory probation period

Job details

Salary

$169,279 – $197,200 per year

Pay scale and grade

NF-15 · Nonappropriated fund

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Appointment

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Excepted

Openings

1

Security clearance

Other

Travel

25% or less

Drug test

Not required

Supervisory

Yes

Occupation

General Physical Science (1301)

Announcement

NGA-26-292-NF