Duties
As a Full Performance Level Social Scientist, You Will
- Design, organize, and implement analyses of the quality and effectiveness of policies, practices, and procedures within SC's business practices aimed at promoting diverse participation in competitive research awards and scientific facilities and promoting professional, inclusive environments at funded institutions, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Utilize appropriate social science research methodologies to conduct assessments of the outcomes and impacts of SC programs and practices on advancing SC's goals for broadening participation in scientific research.
- Provide creative insights to identify opportunities and new approaches for SC to promote diverse participation and inclusive environments in competitive fundamental research programs, scientific facilities, and STEM workforce training and engagement.
- Assess new concepts, ideas, and trends in social science research and evaluation methodologies for appropriateness in application to SC research portfolio management and SC oversight and evaluation of SC DOE National Laboratory strategies and practices for promoting workplace diversity and inclusive workplace cultures.
- Guide and manage interactions and collaborations with interdisciplinary science teams and working groups internal and external to the organization.
- Lead internal and external technical workshops and seminar series to advance the application and adoption of evidence-based practices for advancing DEIA in scientific program management and laboratory programs.
- Supporting initiatives related to the management and implementation of SC's competitive, extramural basic research programs and the institutions where SC-funded work is carried out, excluding EEO compliance or the management of DEIA for the Federal workforce.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
- If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
- If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
- If selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
- This position does not support 100% remote work. You will be required to report physically to the official reporting worksite as specified by the supervisor, but no less than 2 days per pay period.
- At the GS-14 grade level, you are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of entering the position and annually.
- A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
- Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.
- This position is included in a Bargaining Unit.
- Occasional travel is required.
Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
or
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
or
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS GS-13: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following:
- Conducting scientific research in the social sciences in areas relevant to understanding factors affecting the advancement of students and professionals in the educational and/or workplace environments.
- Contributing to studies or evaluations focused on understanding or addressing barriers to participation and advancement in STEM fields by individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Contributing to published research results or summary technical reports related to one or more social science fields (e.g., sociology; experimental, organizational, or social psychology; demography; anthropology; ethnography; economics/workforce research, or other relevant disciplines).
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS GS-14: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-13) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following:
- Conducting independent scientific research in the social sciences using applicable social science methodologies to understand factors affecting the advancement of women or individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly in STEM education, workplace environments, or careers.
- Designing proposals, programs, or organizations to identify the use of evidence-based practices or to assess the outcomes or impacts of the implementation of evidence-based practices.
- Publishing research findings from behavioral or social science research studies in the peer reviewed literature or presenting applied research findings to relevant organizational leaders, clients, or stakeholders.
- Collaborating with professional and technical subject matter experts or other key stakeholders to identify or assess the impacts or outcomes of the implementation of evidenced-based practices within programs or organizations.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: scientific research (must demonstrate one year of full time work, 40 hours a week), volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must (1) meet all of the requirements as described in this section; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as scoring in the in Well Qualified category (or higher).
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts.
Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see
Additional information
- The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
- For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit:
- Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.
- EEO Policy:
- Reasonable Accommodation Policy:
- Veterans Information:
- Selective Service Registration:
- The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at
- 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.
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.