Physical Scientist/Mathematician

About the role

This position is part of the Office of Science - Headquarters, Department of Energy.

As a Physical Scientist/Mathematician, deliver the most sophisticated SI and mathematical capabilities for scientific applications in partnership with disciplinary science; create first-of-a-kind SI, advanced computing, and networking capabilities for the Nation; and develop future generations of computing hardware and software tools for science and engineering.

What you will do

• Defines and executes the strategic vision for next-generation super intelligence (SI), high-performance computing (HPC), and quantum information science (QIS) research programs, with a focus on SI and applied mathematics research.
• Manages the full lifecycle of scientific research programs, including preparing funding opportunities, coordinating independent peer reviews, and monitoring technical progress.
• Administers research budgets and contracting processes, including allocating funds, monitoring contractor performance, and adjusting financial portfolios to align with programmatic priorities.
• Evaluates scientific proposals and project performance to recommend funding, project adjustments, or program terminations.
• Consults with senior leadership, scientific experts, and external partners to represent agency interests on high-level national and international research committees.
• Facilitates the transition of advanced SI research into practical tools, software, and methods to support scientists in other scientific disciplines.

Education

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts.

Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible".

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 1301 SERIES 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 in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education.

Failure to provide college transcripts may result in a rating of 'Ineligible'.

How you will be evaluated

This position is announced under a government-wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for Physical Scientist/Mathematician positions in the 1301 series. Under the DHA, applicants who meet the Education and Qualification requirements listed in this announcement will be referred for consideration.

Veteran's Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply under the DHA process. USA Hire: Your application will be assessed based on your responses to an online assessment that measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies.

You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered.

You will not be considered for the position if you fail to meet the established proficiency threshold or fail to complete the assessment.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., two-page resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, the result of the USA Hire assessment, and a minimum qualification review.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application.

Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement.

To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.

CTAP/ICTAP Eligible Applicants: To receive selection priority, you must submit the following documentation with your application: Proof of Eligibility: A copy of your agency-issued Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, a copy of your separation SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) noting transition/displaced status, or other official agency documentation confirming your eligible status.

Proof of Performance Rating: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/rating of record, which must include: Your final rating (must be at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent); and The rating scale/guide (explaining what each level/numeric score means), unless the rating scale is clearly defined on the appraisal document itself.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (11/02/2026) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click ***

Documents you must provide

• duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
• Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
• Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement.
• Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable.
• It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
• CTAP/ICTAP Eligible Applicants: To receive selection priority, you must submit the following documentation with your application: Proof of Eligibility: A copy of your agency-issued Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, a copy of your separation SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) noting transition/displaced status, or other official agency documentation confirming your eligible status.
• Proof of Performance Rating: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/rating of record, which must include: Your final rating (must be at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent); and The rating scale/guide (explaining what each level/numeric score means), unless the rating scale is clearly defined on the appraisal document itself.
• Note: While a formal performance appraisal is highly recommended and requested to expedite your evaluation, if your agency-issued RIF separation notice or other official separation documentation explicitly states that your performance was at least "Fully Successful" (or equivalent) and notes your rating of record, it may be accepted in lieu of a formal performance appraisal.
• Failure to provide any documentation proving a rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent will result in the loss of your priority consideration.
• For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
• Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.
• It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
• Do not provide photos or list a Social Security Number or date of birth on any attachment.

What to expect next

Once you submit your online application, you will receive a confirmation notification by email that your submission was successful. After the closing of the announcement, if your self-assessment responses place you as an eligible candidate for referral, we will refer your name to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview.

We will notify you of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.

If you are interested in being added to our Schedule A or 30% or more Disabled Veterans repository, please submit your information by using the below links. *** - Schedule A Repository 2027 for Department of Energy (HQ Offices only) *** - 30 Percent Disabled Veteran Repository 2027 for Department of Energy (HQ Offices only)

Additional information

The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.

For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: *** Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.

EEO Policy: *** Reasonable Accommodation Policy: *** Veterans Information: *** Selective Service Registration: *** The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant.

An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at ***.

Successful candidates will possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Artificial Intelligence Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Distributed Systems Flexibility Grants Management Influencing/Negotiating Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Mathematical Reasoning Project Management Reasoning Self-Management Strategic Thinking Stress Tolerance Teamwork Appointments made under the DHA are processed as "new" appointments.

Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b).