Job Description
Summary
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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.
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Requirements
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.
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Benefits
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.
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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.