Jobs and Careers
U.

Physical Scientist (Quality Assurance)

U.S. Secret Service
Washington, District of Columbia, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 9 Jul 2026
💰 $133,142/yr($85,447/yr$133,142/yr)

About the role

To be considered qualified for this position you must meet the following qualification requirements for the respective grade level in which you are applying. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification requirements as listed below: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: A. 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 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. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: You qualify for the GS-11 level if you possess one of the following: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level performing duties such as: Supporting quality assurance of forensic examination activities in a laboratory environment. Assisting with the examination of laboratory evidence, results or findings for accuracy. Reviewing laboratory policies, procedures, or protocols related to quality assurance and proficiency testing. OR A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. OR A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position if the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your toral months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages. You qualify for the GS-12 level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level performing duties such as: Assisting in laboratory quality assurance programs, including proficiency testing, analytical quality control, and quality audits, to ensure compliance with established policies and accreditation standards. Updating laboratory policies and procedures related to the quality assurance program. Reviewing and validating laboratory evidence results and finding in accordance with laboratory standards. Assisting in researching and developing projects for the solution of problems related to forensic techniques. The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Apply for this role

Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.

Apply Now →Generate Application Kit

Free account required — sign up in 30s

Company

U.S. Secret Service

View company profile →