Chief Scientist

Chief Scientist

Department: Department of the Air Force

Location(s): Barksdale AFB, Louisiana

Salary Range: $186207 - $209600 Per Year

Job Summary: Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to provide combat ready forces to conduct nuclear deterrence and golbal strike operations in support of POTUS and combatant commanders. Term Appoitment but maybe extended without compettion.

Major Duties:

• This position serves as the Chief Scientist of AFGSC, scientific advisor to the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) Commander, and the primary authority for the technical content of the AFGSC portfolio. Evaluates and advises on shaping command programs to ensure highest quality and to identify opportunities for technology options to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of AFGSC platforms, training, and operations. Identifies technology solutions, partnerships and transition paths to meet the highest priorities of global strike forces. Studies and analyzes research and development conducted at universities, contractors, military laboratories, other government agencies, and foreign countries to maintain current technical expertise, to assess possible applications to AFGSC mission areas, and to anticipate the needs of global strike forces and thereby ensure that proper emphasis is placed on critical areas. Recommends initiatives and adjustments to current programs to avoid technological surprise and meet current and future Air Force needs. As an internationally recognized scientific expert, provides technical expertise, stature, and experience necessary to serve as the senior interface between AFGSC and other commands, services, agencies, industry, and the scientific community. Fosters and leads efforts to ensure rapid transition of technology to Air Force operations. Serves as authoritative consultants or member on boards and/or panels charged with strengthening AFGSC interactions and ties with other commands, services, national and international government agencies, academia, industry and the public community. Recognizes and implements technological means to integrate air, space, and cyberspace, twenty-first century logistics, joint service and coalition operations. Authoritatively guides AFGSC core area technical programs in coordination with MAJCOM directors, NAF commanders, Air Staff and sponsoring agencies such as DARPA, DOE, NRO, NSA, etc. Plans, leads and conducts studies, assessments and creative concept development efforts to integrate scientific advances with high priority military requirements. Focuses technology solutions on maximizing the efficiency of effects-based operations. Programs require intensive and extensive exploration, involve many major and exceptionally critical scientific and enginee1ing problems, and are of national and international significance. Mentors and develops members of the staff across the command to assure technical quality and excellence in program execution in areas of highest interest to the Air Force. Advises the AFGSC Commander and directors of competence within the command, and thereby, significantly influences the Commander's decisions on delegation of programs and projects. Actively participates in AFGSC and AF professional training, awards, and civilian development programs.

Qualifications: Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education, and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Candidates must have one year (1) specialized experience at the next lower grade (GS-14/GG-14/Pay Band 4/5) or equivalent or specialized experience obtained in the private sector related to the duties of this SL position. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1 - Advanced interdisciplinary nuclear/global strike technologies, and expert knowledge of national research and development programs and the relationships among all elements of Research and Development communities sufficient to make authoritative scientific, technical, and programmatic recommendations to top national leadership on the technological enhancement of nuclear deterrence and global strike capabilities. TQ2 - Extensive knowledge of the missions and roles of national and international defense components concerned with nuclear and global strike program development.

How to Apply: Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration. The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/27/2026. To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant. PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: 2 pages, Times New Roman 10-font, upload as a pdf. (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2026-00035) and title of the position to which you are applying. Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. Active-Duty/Retired Military: State highest rank eld, date of promotion and date eligible to retire or date of retirement, (e.g., Colonel/June 2006/December 2014). NOTE: IAW 5 U.S.C. 3326, a 180-day waiver will be required for retired or retiring members of the armed forces during the period of 180 days immediately after retirement. Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater than 120 days from the date of the submission of the certification. Education: Include the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html Work Experience: Provide the following information for paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions):- Starting and ending dates (month and year)- Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank)- Employer's name and address- Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor- Salary (current)HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR RESUME: Reflect on the TQs and think about how your past experiences and education relate to each. Read the vacancy announcement carefully. Adhere to the page limitations (2 pages, 10 point font, PDF format) Quantify your accomplishments. Applicants should focus on recency of experience. Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated. References: Provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals who can comment on your qualifications for this position. Please do not list supervisors already listed above. (References can be provided upon request).This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis. SAF/MRL CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Mr. Charles Andrews at charles.andrews.14@us.af.mil.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-27