Research Physical Scientist

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) with vacancies in the following locations:

• Atlantic Oceanographic Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Miami, FL.
• Global Systems Lab (GSL) and Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL), Boulder, CO.
• Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), Ann Arbor, MI.
• Pacific Marine Environmental Lab (PMEL), Seattle, WA.
• Silver Spring, MD.

Duties

• As a Research Physical Scientist, duties may include one or more of the following, and are not limited to:
  • Apply knowledge of oceanic or atmospheric processes, observations, technologies, data assimilation or modeling to enable understanding of ocean/atmosphere variability, change and improvement in ocean and atmospheric prediction and forecasting.
  • Lead theoretical and experimental research for advanced earth system or weather forecasting technologies. Develop earth system, ocean, or weather forecast models (dynamic core) and data assimilation software codes for massively parallel supercomputers across heterogeneous environments including on-premise and cloud platforms. Use of AI/ML (e.g. large language models) and novel computer architectures to further exascale needs of next-generation earth system prediction models including high-resolution and ensemble forecast applications.
  • Serve as an expert advisor to senior level management and manage several organizational projects. Lead the development of competitive research proposals across multiple labs and partners including software development for earth system prediction for exascale applications.
  • Promote scientific and technology research through domestic and international collaborations and working groups. Work in teams across multiple labs and partners to present research findings at significant scientific conferences and workshops. Formulate recommendations and provide advice to managers. Communicate scientific and technical information verbally and in writing to stakeholders, members of the public and other individuals and groups.

  NOTE: These duties are described at the full performance level of the ZP-4; the ZP-3 is developmental leading to such performance.

  This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band.

  Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.

Conditions of employment

The ZP-3 is equivalent to the GS-11/12.
The ZP-4 is equivalent to the GS-13/14. The ZP-4 is the full performance level of the position.

Key Requirements:

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Additional Information.
Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Additional Considerations:

Three year probationary period may be required.
*Positions located in Miami, FL are covered under Bargaining Unit 1411.
*Positions in Ann Arbor, MI are covered under Bargaining Unit 2175.
*Positions located in Silver Spring, MD; Boulder, CO; and Seattle, WA are not in the Bargaining Unit.
This position requires a Low Risk Security Clearance.
Background investigation will be required. Continued employment is subject to applicant’s successful completion of security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
NOTE: A three year probationary period will be required under the Direct Hire Authority unless you are a current Department of Commerce (including NOAA) employee and are in the same line of work and with no more than a 30 day break in service.

Any selections made under this notice will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Therefore, Current Federal employees would be given new appointments to the civil service and may have to serve a new probationary period under CFR 315.802 (b).

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, for those required to serve a 1-year probationary period, we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

Your performance and conduct;
Needs and interests of the agency;
Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of then Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

The announcement will be open on 03/18/2026 and close on 03/25/2026

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