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.
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.
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
Hannah.Lugo_Ascorbe@us.af.mil · 385-680-0552
This position is with Department of the Air Force Headquarters, Department of the Air Force.
The posted pay range is $151662 – $209600/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-12.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-22 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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