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Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist/Chemist

Mine Safety and Health Administration · Pittsburgh, PA 15222 · Posted 4d ago

Full-timeOn-siteEngineering
Pay
$52,171 – $100,380/yr
Schedule
Full-time
Closes
Oct 7, 2026

About the role

This position is with Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Technical Support, Analytical and Laboratory Division. MSHA works to prevent death, illness and injury from mining; promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S. miners. MSHA carries out the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) as amended by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006. The responsibilities described apply to both the Physical Scientist and Chemist position titles. Performs complex analyses of airborne mine particulates. Prepares and analyzes samples for quartz using x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Prepares and analyzes fume, water, and bulk samples for elemental composition using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. Analyzes diesel particulate samples using an elemental carbon analyzer. Analyzes dust samples for size and number concentration using microscopic and electronic counting techniques. Reviews the background material submitted with the samples, determining approaches as needed. Modifies and adapts standard methods and procedures to solve analytical problems. Evaluates and interprets analytical findings, reporting results and makes recommendations as needed. Evaluates the acceptability of samples, stating the method used, modifications of the method, the results and the impact of any quality control deficiencies on data usability. Interprets analytical data as it relates to project goals. Explains analytical results as needed. Independently works out the required test procedures and methods for the analysis of particulate samples that may require modification of standard or generally acceptable methods of analysis. Validates the method with known samples and prepares reports of results in the standard MSHA format. Keeps abreast of the latest developments in the field of industrial hygiene sample analyses and environmental chemistry and recommends new instrumentation and/or techniques which may be applicable. Provides technical advice to laboratory personnel and consults with outside scientists in the specialty area. Processes laboratory data using various commercial and custom made computer software programs. Prepares technical manuscripts dealing with the work conducted.

What we are looking for

You must meet the Basic Requirements to qualify for Physical Scientist/Chemist, as described below. Transcripts must be submitted to verify education requirements. Basic Requirement - Physical Scientist: 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 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. Basic Requirement - Chemist: Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the basic requirements as described above, your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience defined below. Be sure these types of examples are evident in your resume. Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. GS-07: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-5, in the Federal Service that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, experience and skills to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience must include the following: Experience in using chemistry and/or physical science principles, theories, practices, typically used to perform limited standardized tests and analyses in accordance with accepted methods; and Experience in using a variety of analytical instruments to perform routine and limited analyses. OR Applicants must have one full year of graduate level education (coursework directly related to position being filled); OR Superior Academic Achievement: 1) Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the Collegeof Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. 2) Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of:o 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, oras computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; oro 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the requiredcourses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum. 3) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society -- Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of thenational scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. Membership in a freshman honor society cannotbe used to meet the requirements of this provision. (Proof of membership must be submitted.) OR An appropriate combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above.…

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