Summary This position is located at Bureau of Engraving and Printing, within the Office of Quality Operations. As a General Physical Scientist, you will utilize scientific knowledge and expertise to lead laboratory technical efforts, conduct independent studies, develop laboratory test methods and procedures, and work collaboratively with other Offices and external stakeholders to support BEP's strategic objectives. Responsibilities As a General Physical Scientist, you will: - Provide technical leadership for the areas of Analytical Chemistry, Ink Testing, Paper Testing, Banknote Durability Testing, Banknote Processing System, Microscopy and Advanced Instrumentation (e.g., Spectroscopy, Thermal Analysis and Rheology) supporting and improving laboratory operations. - Develop new and/or improved qualitative and quantitative laboratory test methods to analyze raw materials and finished products. - Perform appropriate literature research, design experiments, coordinate test activities, document result in approved formats and present results to management and stakeholders. - Independently write and edit procedures and train laboratory staff in new procedures and equipment. - Review and evaluate data from technical literatures, agency and industry publications on materials characterization, new methods of analysis, quality testing equipment, and quality standards. Requirements Conditions of Employment Veterans Preference does NOT apply to this Direct Hire announcement. The experience may have been gained in either the public, private sector or volunteer service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year and indicate number of hours worked per week on your résumé. Key Requirements: Please refer to "Conditions of Employment." Click "Print Preview" to review the entire announcement before applying. Must be U.S. Citizen or U.S. National SUITABILITY, CLEARANCE & REQUIREMENTS: A background investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for disqualification in the hiring process. The background investigation process conducted by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is very thorough. Therefore, it is imperative that applicants exercise candor and honesty when answering background questionnaires, especially as it relates to arrest, employment, education, finances, illegal drug use, and/or other criminal history. Falsification discovered in security documents or during the background investigation process may result in an immediate negative suitability determination or immediate revocation of your interim clearance (if applicable). Qualifications You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Specialized Experience for the GS-13: Specialized experience is one year of experience, at the GS-12 level or equivalent in other public or private sectors, that is directly related to the position as listed in this announcement and which has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes experience: - Coordinating and performing laboratory-based projects in an ISO regulated environment. AND - Determining customer requirements, developing test plans, and presenting results to stakeholders. AND - Researching, developing, and validating methods and performing and interpreting statistical analysis in order to meet customer and quality requirements. AND - Writing or reviewing technical reports and work instructions. Specialized Experience for the GS-12: Specialized experience is one year of experience, at the GS-11 level or equivalent in other public or private sectors, that is directly related to the position as listed in this announcement and which has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes experience: - Performing laboratory-based projects in an ISO regulated environment. AND - Presenting laboratory analysis results to stakeholders. AND - Assisting with researching, developing, and validating methods and performing and interpreting statistical analysis in order to meet customer and quality requirements. AND - Writing or reviewing technical reports and work instructions. Education Education Requirements: Individual Occupational Requirements for General Physical Science Series, 1301 Basic Requirements: A. 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. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors 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. The education generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions. Additional Information OTHER INFORMATION: We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. This is a non-bargaining unit position. The facility typically shuts down annually between Christmas and New Year's Day. As such, all BEP employees must take leave for workdays during the shutdown period. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: A one-year probationary period may be required. Public Trust - Background Investigation will be required. Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency. This position requires that the successful candidate undergo personnel vetting, which includes a background investigation and enrollment upon onboarding into "Continuous Vetting." Enrollment in Continuous Vetting will result in automated record checks being conducted throughout one's employment with Treasury. The successful candidate will also be enrolled into FBI's Rap Back service, which will allow Treasury to receive notification from the FBI of criminal matters (e.g., arrests, charges, convictions) involving enrolled individuals in near real-time. For more information about individual rights, Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights - FBI, FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI, and SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov). Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so. Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel. Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment.