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CHIEF SCIENTIST/SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR TO AF/SG

· Department of the Air Force

Open to the publicPermanentFull-timeSecurity clearance required
Location
Falls Church, VA
Salary
$151,662 – $209,600/yr
Pay grade
GS 00
Openings
1
Posted
Oct 22, 2026
Closes
Closes in 13 days

Summary

The Chief Scientist/Scientific Advisor to the Air Force (AF) Surgeon General develops healthcare policy and supports medical Research, Development, and Acquisition (RDA). This scientific/professional (ST), non-managerial role, guides the AF Medical Service's strategic vision for RDA and coordinates research with Department of War (DoW), Defense Health Agency (DHA), DoW, DHA, military departments, government agencies, and other partners to align modernization with capability requirements.

Duties

The Chief Scientist and Scientific Advisor to the Air Force Surgeon General (AF/SG) serves as the primary scientific, technical, and acquisition strategy authority for the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS). Operating at the nexus of military operational medicine, advanced biomedical technology, interagency health governance, and defense acquisition, the incumbent is charged with informing, integrating, and implementing a comprehensive Defense Health Program (DHP)-funded Research, Development, and Acquisition (RDA) strategy and oversight process.

The fundamental mandate of this role is to translate evolving operational aerospace and joint warfighter health challenges into actionable, scientifically sound, and fiscally disciplined research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) programs. These programs must seamlessly transition knowledge and materiel capabilities into operational Air Force and joint military medical units.

The position requires a rare combination of executive-level scientific acumen, deep familiarity with the Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition ecosystem, and authoritative leadership across complex military and interagency corporate structures. The Chief Scientist ensures that every dollar allocated across multiple appropriation streams delivers validated, technologically mature, and doctrinally integrated solutions that maximize airman and guardian survivability, performance, and lethality.

Qualifications

Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Technical Qualifications (TQs) or Senior Professional Qualifications (SPQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their qualifications assessed by undergoing a structured interview conducted by a panel.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Technical and Senior Professional Qualifications related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will 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 your qualifications, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

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

TQ1. Demonstrated technical leadership and senior-level scientific expertise in formulating, integrating, and implementing comprehensive medical research, development, and acquisition (RDA) strategies and oversight processes across complex Air Force, joint, and interagency organizations.

TQ2. Demonstrated superior technical leadership in health, medical or biomedical sciences, demonstrated by a proven record of leading advanced research initiatives and bridging scientific innovation with operational applications and the transition of research knowledge, clinical applications, technologies, or materiel solutions into operationally relevant capabilities.

Education

Positions in the GS-0601 series require a bachelor's or higher degree in an academic field related to medical, health, or allied sciences from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. This foundational education ensures candidates possess the scientific knowledge necessary for research, analysis, and healthcare program management.

A doctorate degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) from an accredited university program in an academic field related to the health sciences or allied sciences with emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics; curricula which included anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics, healthcare operations and/or management, and completion of a research thesis is highly desired.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0600/general-medical-and-healthcare-series-0601/

Program Management Level III certification within 24 months of assignment

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required | Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov | Disclosure of Political Appointments | Mobility is a condition of employment and appointment for SES and ST members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligations Agreement | Selected candidate must file a Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 | Position has been designated Special-Sensitive and the selectee must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance | Drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use IAW Exec. Order 12564, dated 14 Sep 86. Position requires that the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment. | Position requires travel under conditions specified in the DoD Joint Travel Regulations. Incumbent is expected to travel on short notice to attend high-level meetings. | Position may require incumbent to be available for other than normal duty hours to include weekends to support exercises and crisis planning. | An initial SES and ST career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period. | Attendance to the Air Force's Senior Leader Orientation Course (SLOC) is generally required within 12 months of appointment, subject to course availability. | Position may be subject to the post-government employment restrictions of Sections 207(a) and (f) of Title 18, United States Code. | Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.

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Source: USAJOBS / U.S. Office of Personnel Management. HealthJobsFinderUSA is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.

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