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Director, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division


Job Location:

Germantown, MD - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 199172 - 199172
Posted: 6 October 2026 (20 days ago)
Application Deadline: 3 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

The Department of Energys (DOE) Office of Science has a mission to deliver scientific discoveries and major scientific tools to transform our understanding of nature and advance the energy economic and national security of the United States. Office of Science is the nations largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences and are a major supporter of research in such key scientific fields as physics materials science computing and chemistry.


Duties

As the Director Materials Sciences and Engineering Division you will:

  • Provide leadership and direction in establishing the vision strategic plans goals and objectives for the supported research activities.
  • Manage the fundamental experimental and theoretical research to provide the knowledge base for the discovery design and characterization of new materials with novel structures functions and properties.
  • Oversee programs in the Office of Science including providing input and supervising staff for the Energy Frontier Research Centers Energy Innovation Hubs Energy Earthshot Research Centers and more.
  • Oversee nearly 700 grants at academic institutions and a portfolio of research spanning the DOE national laboratories.
  • Manage the Division programs activities and resources by developing implementing and monitoring DOE-wide
    policies and systems for the full range of Office programs.

Requirements
Conditions of employment

    • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
    • Subject to a 1-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed).
    • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment at the time requested by the agency.
    • If you are a male applicant born after December 31 1959 certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
    • May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
    • File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278 within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
    • You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
    There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
    Qualifications

    Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race sex color religion or national origin.

    APPLICANTS MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION.

    To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience education and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications you may not receive consideration for the position.

    TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

    TQ 1: Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in research in the areas of materials sciences chemistry and physics sufficient to serve as the scientific leader for the Materials Sciences and Engineering Division. This is based on formal training extensive personal research scientific publications and work experience.
    TQ 2: Demonstrated capabilities in scientific and technical leadership in the management of research programs including development and execution of policies program emphasis and strategic plans and interaction with senior officials.

    EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs you may not receive further consideration for the position. There are five ECQs:

    • ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law and commitment to serve the American people.
    • ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources budget effectively cut wasteful spending and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
    • ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
    • ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organizations vision mission and goals and to drive a high-performance high-accountability culture. This includes when necessary the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
    • ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
    Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) or have SES reinstatement eligibility you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead you should attach proof (e.g. SF-50 Certification by OPMs SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
    Education

    BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1301 SERIES:
    A. 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. (Please ensure transcripts show required courses)

    or

    B. 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.

    This position has a positive education requirement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution course title credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

    A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria please refer to the Department of Education website.

    Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. If you are qualifying based on foreign education you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications International Affairs Office ()
    Additional information

    Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.

    Veterans Preference: Veterans preference is not applicable to the SES.

    Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical organizational and functional lines and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

    Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: Information Resources - Resource Center: born after must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A Schedule C or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years a political Schedule A Schedule C or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

    Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

    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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

    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.


    Required Experience:

    Director