Summary

The Senior Research Scientist (Ballistics Research) position is located within the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Intramural Research Directorate within the U.S. Army Futures Command.

This job is open to

• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

All US Citizens

Duties

**This is an interdisciplinary job. Series assigned to individual positions under this job will be determined based on the selectee's paramount qualifications at the time of selection.**

The incumbent of this position is a senior research scientist for the Army Research Laboratory; this position is located in the Intramural Research Directorate. The incumbent is a leading expert in the field of ballistics, who actively performs research and directs team efforts expected to lead to cutting edge theory, modeling, and experimental techniques of such a break though nature and related to critical unique Army/DoD specific problems, that it is considered disruptive to the fields of launch and flight of projectiles. Particular problems chosen are basic in frontier areas that are of critical importance to major programs in national defense.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.

You must be able to submit and pass designated and/or Random Drug Testing as required.

You must be able to obtain/maintain the appropriate clearance level and access for this position.

This position requires a minimum of Graduate Degree, preferably Ph.D.

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/.

Other Requirements:

• 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.
• Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.

Qualifications

Position requires substantial experience and significant scientific contributions related to the scientific disciplines and topic areas described in this position description. Incumbent demonstrates ability to think about issues creatively and with a practical view for applicability to inform policy, programs, and operational needs. Scientific achievements have demonstrated innovation and potential for maturation through applied and advanced technology research. Incumbent has peer-reviewed publications, invited presentations, and held positions with status in DoD/national/international scientific/professional organizations and societies.

Incumbent demonstrates expertise as an independent principal investigator/researcher, leading complex programs of research, scientific leadership/mentoring of other scientist, and close collaboration with scientists of various disciplines within DoD, academia, and industry.

In order to qualify, you must meet the 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.

1. Specialized Experience is experience closely related to, the field in which the candidate will work. Experience must have been sufficiently specialized to ensure adequate familiarity with the area of specialization, be both nationally and internationally recognized as an authority within the scientific and engineering community, or have direct application in the area for which the applicant is being considered.

2. Technical Qualification (TQ). (Mandatory Submission) A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing this TQ. TQ must provide specific examples that address relevant experience end accomplishments. Failure to meet or address the mandatory Technical Qualification automatically disqualifies an applicant from consideration: TQ write up should not exceed 2 pages. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualification demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:

TQ: Proven pertinent experience in leading the innovative discoveries in ballistics and the underlying disciplines to formulate, plan, guide, and personally conduct advanced theoretical and/or experimental research in S&T areas such as materials development of survivable and highly energetic materials; interior ballistics and launch technologies; flight, guidance and navigation of projectiles behavior during ultra-high-rate events; terminal ballistic mechanics and physics in extreme environments associated with novel and futuristic systems for Army lethality.

3. Senior Professional Qualifications (SPQ) (Mandatory Submission)

A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing both Senior Professional Qualifications. Applicants must provide specific examples that address relevant experience end accomplishments. Failure to meet or address the mandatory Scientific Professional Technical Qualification automatically disqualifies an applicant from consideration. Limit your responses to 1 page per SPQ.

SPQ 1. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with key management, professional and scientific personnel; advise and consult on scientific and technological programs and problems; and, serve as an effective spokesperson for the organization both nationally and internationally..

and

SPQ 2. Stature in the profession as indicated by memberships and activity in professional and scientific societies, honors, awards, and other recognition and leadership in national and international scientific communities. Contributions and professional reputation as evidenced by citations, patents, and/or publications which advance knowledge in the field.

Education

Possession of a Graduate Degree (preferably Ph.D. or equivalent experience) in one of the following disciplines:

0800/0830/0850: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800/

OR

1301: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/general-physical-science-series-1301/

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

• 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.
• Drug Testing: You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test before you can be appointed into this position.
• Financial Disclosure: The individual selected will be required to file an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report' (OGE-278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
• Suitability: If selected, the Army will ask you to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. The Army will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be fired after you begin work, or you may be fined or jailed.
• Nature of Appointment: Individual is given a Career appointment under the authority of 5 USC 3325 upon assuming the position.
• Political Recommendations: The Army is barred by 5 USC 3303 from accepting or considering political recommendations regarding appointment or any other personnel action; any violation of the bar on recommendations is a prohibited personnel action. The Army is obligated to take appropriate adverse action against employees who solicit, or Army officials who consider prohibited political recommendations.
• Veteran's Preference: By law Veteran's Preference does not apply to the Senior Professional Positions.
• False Statements: If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work, or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
• Non Discrimination: All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, disabling condition, membership in an employee organization, or any other non-merit factors.
• Adverse Information Screening: Applicants proposed for selection are subject to inquiries as to any incidences of misconduct, malfeasance, neglect of duty, or the appearance there of information gained in this check will be considered in the approval decision.
• E-verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" system. Federal Law requires DHS to use the E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new hires, and obligates the new hire to take affirmative steps to resolve any discrepancies identified by the system as a condition of continued employment. The U.S. Department of Army is an E-Verify Participant.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  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.

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 you are minimally qualified, your résumé and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your résumé 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 will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

• Basis of Rating: The best qualified candidates will be distinguished from other applicants by an evaluation panel of senior professionals referencing the additional evaluation criteria.

Additional Evaluation Criteria:

Technical Qualification (TQ). (Mandatory Submission) A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing this TQ. TQ must provide specific examples that address relevant experience end accomplishments. Failure to meet or address the mandatory Technical Qualification automatically disqualifies an applicant from consideration: TQ write up should not exceed 2 pages. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualification demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:

TQ: Proven pertinent experience in leading the innovative discoveries in ballistics and the underlying disciplines to formulate, plan, guide, and personally conduct advanced theoretical and/or experimental research in S&T areas such as materials development of survivable and highly energetic materials; interior ballistics and launch technologies; flight, guidance and navigation of projectiles behavior during ultra-high-rate events; terminal ballistic mechanics and physics in extreme environments associated with novel and futuristic systems for Army lethality.

Senior Professional Qualifications (SPQ) (Mandatory Submission)

A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing both Senior Professional Qualifications. Applicants must provide specific examples that address relevant experience end accomplishments. Failure to meet or address the mandatory Scientific Professional Technical Qualification automatically disqualifies an applicant from consideration. Limit your responses to 1 page per SPQ.

SPQ 1. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with key management, professional and scientific personnel; advise and consult on scientific and technological programs and problems; and, serve as an effective spokesperson for the organization both nationally and internationally..

and

SPQ 2. Stature in the profession as indicated by memberships and activity in professional and scientific societies, honors, awards, and other recognition and leadership in national and international scientific communities. Contributions and professional reputation as evidenced by citations, patents, and/or publications which advance knowledge in the field.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  Your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
  
  1. Mandatory Submission: Submit a resume. Applications must contain ALL the following information:
  
  • Vacancy Announcement Number - DA-24-JLA-12419795
  • Full name; email and mailing address; day and evening telephone numbers; Country of Citizenship; Highest Federal civilian grade held (give job series and dates held); and *Annuitant Status (Former federal civilian employees).
  • Educational information including the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended.
  • Information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including: job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, duration of employment, and salary.
  • Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments; for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and performance awards. (Provide dates but do not send documents.).
  • Job-related training courses (title and year); skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware; certificates and licenses (current only).
  
  2. Mandatory Submission: Mandatory Technical Qualification (TQ) Statement addressing the TQ (Limit 2 pages)
  
  TQ: Proven pertinent experience in leading the innovative discoveries in ballistics and the underlying disciplines to formulate, plan, guide, and personally conduct advanced theoretical and/or experimental research in S&T areas such as materials development of survivable and highly energetic materials; interior ballistics and launch technologies; flight, guidance and navigation of projectiles behavior during ultra-high-rate events; terminal ballistic mechanics and physics in extreme environments associated with novel and futuristic systems for Army lethality.
  
  3. Mandatory Submission: Senior Professional Qualifications briefly addressing both factors (Limit 1 page per each factor)
  
  (1). Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with key management, professional and scientific personnel; advise and consult on scientific and technological programs and problems; and, serve as an effective spokesperson for the organization both nationally and internationally.
  
  AND
  
  (2). Stature in the profession as indicated by memberships and activity in professional and scientific societies, honors, awards, and other recognition and leadership in national and international scientific communities. Contributions and professional reputation as evidenced by citations, patents, and/or publications which advance knowledge in the field.
  
  4. Mandatory Submission: A letter of reference which addresses all of the "Additional Evaluation Criteria". You are responsible for ensuring the letter is received by the application deadline. The letter can be included as part of your application package.
  
  5. Mandatory Submission: An unofficial copy of your transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) which includes semester hours and degree received. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: US Dept of Education - College Accreditation
  
  6. SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) - Current Federal employees should submit a copy of their latest personnel action. Former Federal employees should submit a copy of a personnel action documenting their career status.
  
  NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
  
  The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/08/2024 to receive consideration.
  
  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12419795).
  • Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
  • It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
  • Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
  
  To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
  
  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.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Jessica Armstrong
  
  Phone
  
  703-692-3317
  
  Email
  
  JESSICA.L.ARMSTRONG.CIV@ARMY.MIL
  
  Address
  
  EN-APF-W262AA US ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEV CMD
  
  DO NOT MAIL
  
  Adelphi, MD 20783
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
  
  After all application packages have been received, we will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation. You should expect to hear back on the outcome of your application within 90 days of the closing date of the announcement. Pay is set based on consideration of selectee's current salary and other factors.
  
  Once you enter on duty, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278e) within 30 days of entering this position. Please notify your servicing ethics counselor (part of the legal office) as soon as possible after starting your ST duties so the ethics counselor can assign you a new entrant report in the online Integrity system, (https://integrity.gov/efeds-login/).
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Mandatory Submission: Submit a resume. Applications must contain ALL the following information:

• Vacancy Announcement Number - DA-24-JLA-12419795
• Full name; email and mailing address; day and evening telephone numbers; Country of Citizenship; Highest Federal civilian grade held (give job series and dates held); and *Annuitant Status (Former federal civilian employees).
• Educational information including the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended.
• Information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including: job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, duration of employment, and salary.
• Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments; for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and performance awards. (Provide dates but do not send documents.).
• Job-related training courses (title and year); skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware; certificates and licenses (current only).

2. Mandatory Submission: Mandatory Technical Qualification (TQ) Statement addressing the TQ (Limit 2 pages)

TQ: Proven pertinent experience in leading the innovative discoveries in ballistics and the underlying disciplines to formulate, plan, guide, and personally conduct advanced theoretical and/or experimental research in S&T areas such as materials development of survivable and highly energetic materials; interior ballistics and launch technologies; flight, guidance and navigation of projectiles behavior during ultra-high-rate events; terminal ballistic mechanics and physics in extreme environments associated with novel and futuristic systems for Army lethality.

3. Mandatory Submission: Senior Professional Qualifications briefly addressing both factors (Limit 1 page per each factor)

(1). Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with key management, professional and scientific personnel; advise and consult on scientific and technological programs and problems; and, serve as an effective spokesperson for the organization both nationally and internationally.

AND

(2). Stature in the profession as indicated by memberships and activity in professional and scientific societies, honors, awards, and other recognition and leadership in national and international scientific communities. Contributions and professional reputation as evidenced by citations, patents, and/or publications which advance knowledge in the field.

4. Mandatory Submission: A letter of reference which addresses all of the "Additional Evaluation Criteria". You are responsible for ensuring the letter is received by the application deadline. The letter can be included as part of your application package.

5. Mandatory Submission: An unofficial copy of your transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) which includes semester hours and degree received. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: US Dept of Education - College Accreditation

6. SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) - Current Federal employees should submit a copy of their latest personnel action. Former Federal employees should submit a copy of a personnel action documenting their career status.

NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/08/2024 to receive consideration.

• To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12419795).
• Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
• You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
• It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
• Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

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.

Agency contact information

Jessica Armstrong

Phone

703-692-3317

Email

JESSICA.L.ARMSTRONG.CIV@ARMY.MIL

Address

EN-APF-W262AA US ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEV CMD

DO NOT MAIL

Adelphi, MD 20783

US

Next steps

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

After all application packages have been received, we will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation. You should expect to hear back on the outcome of your application within 90 days of the closing date of the announcement. Pay is set based on consideration of selectee's current salary and other factors.

Once you enter on duty, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278e) within 30 days of entering this position. Please notify your servicing ethics counselor (part of the legal office) as soon as possible after starting your ST duties so the ethics counselor can assign you a new entrant report in the online Integrity system, (https://integrity.gov/efeds-login/).

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request