Physical Scientist - Direct Hire

Join our team to ensure the safe transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials. This role involves advanced engineering analysis, policy development, and regulatory standard creation for packaging systems.

• *Responsibilities include:**
• Performing scientific studies, calculations, and analyses of packaging systems, material science, and testing (destructive and nondestructive).
• Conducting failure analysis and fracture mechanics evaluations.
• Developing and evaluating regulatory standards, compliance guidance, test methods, and criteria to assess hazards and risks.
• Providing technical support for program and policy development related to material containment.
• Representing U.S. positions on proposed international standards (e.g., IAEA) for classification, packaging, and testing.
• *Qualifications (GS-11 to GS-14):**
• *Education & Experience Requirements:**
• **GS-11:**

* **Experience:** One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, including analysis of packaging systems, material science, testing, failure analysis, and scientific studies for safe radioactive material containment. * **Education:** Ph.D. or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, *or* a combination of education and experience.

• **GS-12:** One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, involving analysis and recommendations for packaging systems, material science, failure analysis, and providing technical support for regulatory standards concerning radioactive and nuclear materials. (Education alone is not sufficient).
• **GS-13:** One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12, focused on developing regulatory standards, performing scientific studies and analyses for packaging suitability, and providing expert opinions on U.S. positions for international standards. (Education alone is not sufficient).
• **GS-14:** One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-13, including developing regulatory standards, conducting studies and calculations for new packaging proposals, evaluating containment integrity, and shaping U.S. positions on domestic and international standards. (Education alone is not sufficient).
• *Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):**
• **Nuclear Engineering:** Expertise in nuclear technologies, including reactors, radiation devices, and associated systems.
• **Research:** Proficiency in scientific principles, study design, data analysis, and reporting.
• **Technical Competence:** Ability to apply specialized knowledge, understand technical information, and advise others.
• **Safety Engineering:** Knowledge of identifying, controlling, and mitigating safety hazards in designs and operations.
• **Oral Communication:** Effective verbal expression and presentation skills, with active listening and appropriate response.
• *General Requirements:**
• Must meet education requirements and provide transcripts.
• All experience, including volunteer work, will be considered.
• Students graduating within six months of the closing date may apply (transcripts required before start date).