Physical Science Technician

Duties:

• Responsible for planning and accomplishing complete laboratory projects or experiments for departmental research and teaching laboratories.
• Conceive, recommend, and implement new design approaches and devise alternative ways to achieve project objectives.
• Maintain cognizance of the operating principles, setup, alignment, maintenance, and operational procedures for a wide range of scientific components and subsystems.
• Provide technical support, assistance, advice, and instruction to faculty, while ensuring a safe working laboratory environment.

Requirements:

Conditions of Employment:

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service.
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program.
• Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trial period.
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
• Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Level Security Clearance as a condition of employment.
• Category rating and selection procedures will be utilized.
• Veterans must submit required documents to receive Veteran’s preference.
• Position to be filled through Delegated Examining Authority.
• This position meets the administrative exemption criteria for the Fair Labor Standards Act (5 CFR 551.206).

Qualifications: To qualify, applicants must meet the specialized experience or education requirements described below:

• Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience at a level close to the work of this position. This experience should be related to working in a laboratory setting, collaborating with faculty, and providing research support, especially in fields like laser/optics, electro-optics, and general experimental design.
• Education Substitution: Applicants who have completed two years of graduate education or hold a master’s degree related to the position may substitute the education for one year of specialized experience. (Note: Unofficial transcripts are required.)
• Combination of Education and Experience: Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be used to meet the total experience requirement. (Note: Unofficial transcripts are required.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of basic physics, optics, radiation, semiconductor devices, electro-optical devices, laser technology, computer operating systems, and basic engineering design techniques.
• Skill in optical electronics, computer hardware/software installation and maintenance, device fabrication, and experimental system design.
• Ability to apply standard formulas to make calculations, prepare graphs, and record data.
• Skill in assembling complex experimental systems and maintaining a laser-safe environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to present experimental data and results clearly and accurately.

Physical Demands:

• Work involves both sedentary activities and strenuous physical tests, including moving heavy equipment (up to 75 lbs).
• Requires manual dexterity for small and fragile specimens, and handling cryogenic liquids.
• Pre-employment physical required.

Work Environment:

• Work is conducted in an office or laboratory environment with exposure to hazardous laser radiation, electrical shock, toxic chemicals, and cryogenic liquids.
• Involves working with power tools, heavy equipment, and testing apparatus.

Position Details:

• Term Appointment: This is a time-limited position not to exceed 366 days from the appointment date, with potential extensions and the possibility of conversion to permanent status after meeting certain criteria.
• Promotion Potential: This position is a GS-09 with the potential to be promoted to GS-11 upon meeting all regulatory requirements and demonstrating performance at the higher grade.

Education:

• Applicants must possess a J.D., LL.B, or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.
• Education completed in foreign universities must be evaluated to meet U.S. educational standards.

Additional Information:

• This position may be used to fill multiple vacancies over the next 12 months.
• Promotions are based on demonstrated ability and performance.
• Candidates with appropriate qualifications may be eligible for Military Spouse Preference (MSP) or Priority Placement Program (PPP).
• Federal employees may apply for term positions with a required break in service.

Required Documents:

• A cover letter addressing the qualifications criteria.
• Current resume with relevant experience.
• Unofficial transcripts.
• Two legal writing samples (if applicable).