Summary As a Physical Scientist you will serve as a laboratory scientist/analyst conducting a wide range of physical, chemical, and/or biological analysis of agricultural commodities, food, and other sample @types. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Performs routine sample preparation, sample analysis, and evaluations using established methods and procedures. Operates analytical instrumentation along with other laboratory equipment to perform various analysis techniques. Utilizes a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for sample login, sample results entry and sample report generation. Evaluates sample data to make decisions about the presence of analytes based on predetermined protocols. Generates laboratory reports and certificates and reviews for completeness, accuracy of computations, and reasonableness of results. Prepares packages of analytical data and test results according to standard protocols for review by the supervisor and quality management staff. Compiles and maintains chain-of-custody documentation for sample data sets and reviews for completeness and accuracy. Communicates and consults with stakeholders and is responsible for maintaining good customer relations. Evaluates and recommends repairs, updates, or replacement of analytical instruments and equipment as needed. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. BASIC REQUIREMENT: 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 Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the basic requirement above, applicants must also meet the following: FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Complete mastery and proficiency with instrumentation utilized for chromatographic analysis. Experience recognizing and mitigating issues and conditions that may have adverse effects on performance of team, instrumentation, and analysis methods. Developing and suggesting improvements to processes that benefits the lab and customer. OR 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in courses relating to the basic education requirement. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVELS: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Worksite Information: This position is located at the duty station(s) listed in this vacancy announcement and is not eligible for telework or remote work. The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion. Intense concentration and dexterity are required for successful completion of duties. There will be exposure to the risks and hazards of work environments and conditions requiring special safety precautions and protective clothing and/or equipment.