Duties

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The incumbent will serve as a Supervisory Physical Scientist in the Preservation Research and Testing Division, Preservation Directorate, Discovery and Preservation Services.

This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.

The position description number for this position is 064860.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position will work a flexitime work schedule.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

As a Supervisory Physical Scientist, you will:

• Supervise a group of employees performing work at the GS-07 - 12/13 levels and provide administrative and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the unit.
• Provide technical expertise in the formulation of scientific policies and procedures related to scientific research.
• Manage teams of scientists engaged in research involving collections preservation, heritage science, advanced data analytics, technology assessment, development of operational procedures, and problem resolution in areas such as measurement and instrumentation, and scientific research.
• Conduct and direct a broad range of inter-disciplinary development and design activities, making recommendations and implementing actions involving unstructured and interconnected problems with difficult technology and complex design or development issues.
• Plan and establish overall outline for the management, design, or development of proposed technology, equipment, instrumentation, or systems.
• Publish technical data and develops standards for general scientific applications.
• Provide expert guidance to management for strategic planning and program development in areas impacted by scientific expertise.
• Manage technical aspects of contracts, grants, proposals, and cooperative agreements between the Library of Congress and U.S. and foreign universities, governments, industries, companies, or non-profit organizations.
• Plan and conduct expert technical reviews of precedent-setting preservation scientific studies, cultural heritage research, and analysis in areas such as measurement and instrumentation, systems analysis, advanced imaging and data analytics, technology development and refinement.

A degree in chemistry, material, or heritage science as well as at least 5 years of relevant experience is preferred.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

The Supervisor leads his/her staff toward meeting the Library's vision, mission, and goals by acting decisively, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, demonstrating flexibility and resilience, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, and fostering integrity and honesty. To view the Library's Supervisory Core Competencies click the following link: Supervisor Core Competencies

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Ability to supervise, develop and lead a workforce.**

Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, methods, and techniques in a physical science field.**

Ability to execute complex scientific research, technology assessment, and development activities that address a wide-range of preservation-related issues.**

Ability to manage projects.**

Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to provide consultation or liaison duties.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

A degree in chemistry, material, or heritage science as well as at least 5 years of relevant experience is preferred.

Additional information

Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.

The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: https://www.loc.gov/careers/working-at-the-library/frequently-asked-questions/vetting-personnel-at-the-library/

The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. In addition, per Library of Congress Regulation 9-532, an appointee or internal selectee is subject to a one-year supervisory probationary period if this is their first supervisory/managerial position at the Library of Congress. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.

The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.

The selected applicant may be required to file a financial disclosure statement with the House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 95-521, Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.