Research Physicist

Duties

• Design and execute experimental studies to determine how to apply the techniques of modern physics, such as spectroscopy, physical model development and multivariate statistics to characterization of drug products and substances.
• Evaluate new technologies and modifications of existing state-of-the-art technology with application to all pharmaceutical dosage forms, and the application of current technology.
• Assess different data treatments and model types to develop physical methods for characterization of pharmaceutical materials and products.
• Present papers at scientific meetings in describing research.
• Prepare official reports and documentation requirements for the application of the tools for modern Physics to the characterization of pharmaceutical quality.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements for the Research Physicist:

Have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physics, or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.

OR 

Have a combination of education and experience

• courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 

In either option listed above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above for the Research Physicist GS- 14 grade level you must also meet the following:

Have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 In the Federal service that included applying application of the tools of modern physics to the characterization of pharmaceutical material, products and processes; developing joint projects and participating in collaborative studies with scientists in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, and academic institutions; preparing manuscripts for publication in the scientific literature, writing reports, manuals, and protocols describing their research and providing assistance with technology assessment, method development or analysis of samples. 

Documenting experience:  In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description.  Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the percentage of times the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above.

Education

If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program.  For further information, click on foreign education.