About the opportunity
The Supervisory Physical Scientist serves as the Laboratory Director for a CBP Laboratories and Scientific Services field laboratory located in Guaynabo, PR. The role directs scientific, technical, forensic, quality, personnel, budget, and operational activities, providing authoritative scientific guidance to laboratory staff, CBP personnel, federal partners, and external stakeholders. Responsibilities include overseeing advanced analytical testing, laboratory procedures, accreditation requirements, and strategic resource management to ensure scientifically defensible testing and expert analysis that inform frontline operations, enforcement decisions, threat detection, and trade security activities.
Salary and benefits
- Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance
- Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k))
- Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program
- Personal leave days and paid federal holidays
- Flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, and transportation subsidies
- Uniform allowance, health and wellness programs, and fitness centers
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
- Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (unless an exception or waiver applies)
- Meet basic education requirements: Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, or an appropriate combination of education and experience
- Possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-14)
- Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements by 09/11/2026
Required documents
- Resume in English, limited to no more than two pages, containing full legal name, phone number, work history, duties, dates, hours worked per week, job title, and series, grade, and salary
- Completed job questionnaire
- Responses to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment
- SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status for current or former federal employees
- College transcript (unofficial accepted at application stage) or list of coursework with hours completed
- Additional priority selection, veteran, or political appointment documentation if applicable
When to apply
- Announcement open date: 2026-09-04
- Application deadline: 2026-09-11 at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Read the entire job announcement and instructions
- Click the Apply Online button on USAJOBS
- Answer the application questions and attach all necessary supporting documentation
- Submit the application prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on 2026-09-11
- Complete the required online USA Hire Assessments using the unique access link provided via email and announcement screen within the specified timeframe
Additional information
- Position Control Number: 882777700
- Announcement Number: LSS-SMP-13046954-KNM
- Duty Location: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
- Pay Plan and Series: GS-1301 (General Physical Science)
- Grade Level: GS-15
- Bargaining Unit Status: Not covered under the bargaining unit
- Background Investigation and Drug Testing required
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Senior scientists or engineers with a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics and at least 24 semester hours in physical science.
- Experienced laboratory directors or managers with a year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level.
- Professionals capable of directing budget, personnel, and accreditation requirements for a forensic laboratory.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is on-site in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, which may require relocation for those not currently based there.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years.
- The role requires a background investigation and drug testing as part of the hiring process.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a high-impact leadership role for a scientist who wants to direct all scientific, technical, and forensic activities of a field laboratory. It provides the opportunity to oversee advanced analytical testing and inform frontline enforcement and trade security decisions.
Our take
This is a premier leadership opportunity for senior physical scientists or engineers who can manage a forensic laboratory in Puerto Rico and provide authoritative scientific guidance.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
