Summary This position is located at Bureau of Engraving and Printing, within the Analytical & Methods Development Division. As an Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist, Chemist, you will be collecting, analyzing, and testing raw materials (paper and/or inks), in-process and finished products, and other materials in support of quality assurance of incoming material and final product, process improvement, and new product development. Responsibilities The following are the duties of this position at the GS-12. If you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform all these duties, and will receive training to help you grow in this position. As a Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist, Chemist, you will: Conduct routine to complex analyses that require exercising independent judgment; engage in independent or team efforts or scientific investigations to confirm test results or resolve any problems associated with BEP products and raw materials; inform peers, CORs, Quality personnel, production personnel, and supervisor of nonconforming results. Conduct method development activities that incorporate knowledge of sample preparation and analytical instrumentation techniques to analyze incoming and processed materials. Substantially modify and adapt standard methods of analyses and physical tests to improve quality assurance testing of papers, inks, special printing substrates, and other production materials; evaluate and interpret analytical data, prepare reports which include analytical procedures, conditions, and results; check instruments for calibration status; and, if required, verify laboratory test equipment to specified standards per BEP Work instructions (WI), standard industry test methods (i.e. ASTM, TAPPI, etc.), follow all Environmental Health and Safety, security and accountability procedures. Operate a full range of laboratory equipment, which includes chemical, physical, and optical test equipment, such as titrators, density meters, crumple testers, abrasion testers, UV/IR lamps, image capture/analysis systems, micrometers, fold testers, tear testers, spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes and universal mechanical testing systems; review testing methods and submit changes when necessary; coordinate, train, and assist lower level scientists, chemists, and technicians in the use of laboratory equipment; develop test plans and conduct special investigations. 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 rsum. 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. For the GS-12, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience to qualify at the GS-12 level is defined as: Analyzing data; AND Writing and reviewing technical reports; AND Reviewing and presenting technical data to others; AND Developing laboratory test methods For the GS-11, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience to qualify at the GS-11 level is defined as: Analyzing data; AND Writing and reviewing technical reports; AND Reviewing and presenting technical data to others OR You may substitute education for general or specialized experience as follows: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. To combine education and experience, the total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the requirement as well as the percentage of completed education compared to the requirement must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate level education in excess of the first 36 semester hours (54 quarter hours) may be combined to be considered for qualifying education. Options for qualifying based on a combination will be identified in the online questions. Education Education Requirements: Individual Occupational Requirements for the Physical Scientist: A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in 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. Individual Occupational Requirements for the Chemist: A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, 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. Undergo an income tax verification. Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel. Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment. Wear required safety clothing and/or equipment required by the position. This may include safety shoes, hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, masks, etc.