Physical Scientists perform analytical analysis of grains and agricultural commodities. The incumbent serves in the development, implementation, and performance rheological, physicochemical, and biochemical methods for characterizing the end-use functional properties of cereal grains, oilseeds, and related commodities. These duties may include:
- Validating new and improved methods according to the standard branch validation protocol.
- Conducting experiments to evaluate the practical application of new and improved methods for the analysis of constituents in grain.
- Evaluating laboratory data to determine their validity and scientific meaning.
- Determining error contributions for each method and incorporating quality assurance and quality control procedures for the method being developed.
This Position is Represented in the Following AMS Programs:
Work Environment
Physical Scientists work both in an office setting and a laboratory setting involving the possibility of exposure to irritant chemicals and air-borne particulates. Special safety precautions and protective equipment may be required, depending on the exposure potential.
Minimum Applicant Requirements
| For GS-09 Level | For GS-11 Level and Above |
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Applicants must have either: Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level. Experience may have been gained in quality assurance (machinist, on-line production work), as a commodity buyer, receiving clerk, farm experience (in a managerial, decision- making capacity), clerical (office manager, administrative assistant with decision-making responsibility), or food processing laboratory food work (managerial, technical). OR Education: Two years of graduate level education leading to a master’s degree or have a master’s or equivalent graduate 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 Combination of education and experience: Education equivalent to a major in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. |
Applicants must have either: Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level. OR Education: Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., or have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. |
Common Career Paths