Physical Scientist

About the opportunity

The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is accepting applications for a Physical Scientist (GS-13) within Operations Support, Laboratories and Scientific Services. The position involves providing senior expert advice on physical science and technical activities ranging from trade commodities to enforcement and complex forensic analysis of novel chemicals. Duties include performing scientific assessments to establish resource budgetary needs, conducting technical analysis on complex or novel samples using wet laboratory procedures and advanced instrumentation, and preparing scientific reports and technical recommendations to explain analytical findings.

Salary and benefits

• Annual salary ranging from $106,437.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $138,370.00 (GS-13, Step 10), plus applicable locality pay or special pay rates.
• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance.
• Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with 401(k)-style features.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Personal leave days and paid federal holidays.
• Potential additional benefits such as flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, health and wellness programs, and fitness centers.
• Disabled veteran leave for qualifying veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.

Who can apply?

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least 3 of the last 5 years (unless qualifying for a residency waiver exception).
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics including at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science; OR a combination of education and experience equivalent to a qualifying major with 24 semester hours in physical science/engineering science.
• For GS-13 grade level: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-12) performing complex physical science analyses, evaluating/troubleshooting scientific methods or instrumentation, providing technical guidance, and preparing scientific reports.
• Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements (at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or equivalent in federal service) by 09/03/2026.
• Must pass a background investigation and pre-employment drug testing in accordance with the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period upon initial permanent federal appointment.

Required documents

• Detailed resume in English (maximum 2 pages) containing full legal name, contact details, work history with dates (MM/DD/YY), hours worked per week, job title, series, grade, and salary.
• Responses to the online job questionnaire.
• Responses to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.
• College transcripts (unofficial acceptable at application time) or list of completed coursework with hours provided by the institution (current CBP employees within the series announced are exempt at application time).
• Most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for current or former federal employees showing competitive status and time-in-grade eligibility.
• CTAP documentation if claiming special priority selection rights (e.g., separation notice, recent performance rating, agency certification).
• Initial and termination SF-50s along with a required detailed statement for current or former political appointees.
• Reasonable accommodation documentation for USA Hire assessments, if applicable.

When to apply

• Job posted on August 28, 2026.
• Application deadline is September 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
• The online USA Hire assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of the announcement.

How to apply

• Click the Apply Online button on the official USAJOBS announcement.
• Complete the application questionnaire and attach all required supporting documents in English.
• Submit the application package prior to 11:59 PM ET on September 3, 2026.
• Access the USA Hire system using the unique assessment link sent upon application submission and complete the online competency assessment.

Additional information

• Applicants may select a maximum of one duty location from the available options.
• Selection is limited to the applicant's current duty location only.
• This position is covered under the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) bargaining unit.
• Outside employment or business activity requires prior official approval once on duty.
• Federal employment eligibility will be verified through E-Verify.