Force Health Protection Section Chief, 711 HPW/RHBAF

Job Overview

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 05/17/2024.
The Air and Space Biosciences Division of the 711th Human Performance Wing within the Air Force Research Laboratory (711HPW/RHB) is looking for an outstanding leader that has scientific and research experience. The RHB Division needs to fill the DR-0401/08XX/1301/0601-02/03, Scientist/Engineer - Position. 

The 711 Human Performance Wing (HPW) advances human performance in air, space, and cyberspace through research, education, and consultation. The Wing supports the most critical Air Force resource - the operational military forces. 

The Force Health Protection Section Chief is responsible for providing leadership, supervision, and overall direction for the research section. The successful candidate will oversee the management and coordination of personnel, resources, and projects to ensure the section's research objectives align with mission and strategic goals. This position requires a strong emphasis on personnel supervision, strategic planning, and effective resource management, as well as an ability to foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment.

Position Duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Provides direct supervision to research staff, including setting performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and providing feedback on performance. Acts as a mentor and coach to develop the skills and competencies of team members.

• Develops and implements short-term and long-term strategic plans for the section, ensuring alignment with the overall mission and objectives, while considering available resources and future workforce needs.

• Fosters a culture of innovation by encouraging creative problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous learning within the section. Leverages partnerships with academic institutions, industry partners, and other research organizations to advance research goals.

• Addresses conflicts, crises, or issues that may arise within the section in a timely and effective manner. Utilizes strong communication and negotiation skills to resolve disputes and maintain a positive working environment that supports the well-being of all team members.

• Identifies and develops high-potential employees within the section, providing them with opportunities for growth, mentorship, and career advancement. Implements succession planning to ensure the continuity of research activities and the long-term success of the section.

• Oversees the acquisition, maintenance, and proper utilization of equipment and infrastructure within the section, ensuring they meet current and future research needs. Implements equipment lifecycle management strategies to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize downtime. 

• Develops and enforces laboratory safety policies and procedures, ensuring that all personnel are trained in proper handling of hazardous materials, equipment usage, and emergency response procedures. Collaborates with security personnel to maintain the physical security of labs and safeguard sensitive information and resources.

• Promotes a culture of collaboration by encouraging the sharing of resources, knowledge, and expertise among different teams within the section, as well as with other sections in the organization. Establishes procedures for the efficient management and tracking of shared equipment, lab spaces, and other resources to optimize their utilization and minimize conflicts.

• Coordinates with facility management and maintenance teams to ensure that the section's labs and workspaces remain in optimal condition. Identifies and prioritizes facility upgrade requirements, taking into consideration the evolving needs of the section, budget constraints, and opportunities to enhance the research environment. 

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for telework opportunities; as determined by agency policy

Remote Work (CONUS)

No, this position is not approved for remote work.

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship

• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance

• You must meet the requirements for Level 2 (Practitioner) APDP certification in Engineering & Technical Management or be capable of meeting the requirement within 24 months or a waiver must be obtained. 

• Flexible Length and Renewable Term Technical Appointments. This appointment type is used to appoint individuals who are not currently DoD civilian employees into any scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematic positions, including technicians, for a period of more than one year but not more than five years. 

• Recruitment incentives may/may not be authorized.

• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year or 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to 1 grade below in the Federal service or equivalent in an alternate pay system.

Education Requirements:

• General Health Science Series, 0601 (opm.gov) (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0600/general-health-science-series-0601/) 

• General Engineering Series, 0801 (opm.gov) (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/general-engineering-series-0801/) 

• Biological Scientist 0401 General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series 0401 (opm.gov) 

• General Physical Science Series, 1301 (opm.gov) (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/general-physical-science-series-1301/)

• Chemistry Series, 1320 (opm.gov) (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/chemistry-series-1320/)

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Air Force Research Laboratory's mission, objectives, and research priorities.

• Prior experience working in military or defense research organizations, with an understanding of the unique requirements, processes, and constraints associated with these environments.

• A track record of managing and executing research and development projects within the Department of Defense (DoD) framework, including knowledge of relevant policies, funding sources, and reporting requirements.

• Experience working with and implementing Air Force Instructions, particularly those related to research, development, and resource management.

• Proficiency in using civilian and military personnel management systems is commonly employed within the DoD research environment, including, but not limited to, DCPDS, C2S2, and ATAAPS. 

• Possess a Master’s-level or PhD professional health science, engineering, physical science, or chemistry degree from an accredited academic institution.

(Req No. 66079)

Series

0401

0601

08XX

1301

1320