Physical Scientist

Customs and Border Protection · Department of Homeland Security

📍 Multiple Locations 💰 $106437 – $138370/yr

Quick Facts

Hiring Agency: Customs and Border Protection
Department: Department of Homeland Security
Location: Multiple Locations
Salary: $106437 – $138370/yr
Hiring Path: Fed Transition
Number of Openings: 10
Security Clearance: Not Required
Date Posted: 2026-08-28
Application Deadline: 2026-09-03

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Job Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Operations Support, Laboratories and Scientific Services, with multiple locations Applicants may select a maximum of one location. Selection will be limited to the applicant's current duty location only. Additional selections may be made to include other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

Key Responsibilities

This position starts at a salary of $106,437.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $138,370.00 (GS-13, Step 10).While serving as a Physical Scientist, your duties may include: Providing senior expert advice covering any multitude of physical science and technical activities of the laboratory, such as but not limited to trade commodities (steel, textiles, food, organics, inorganics) to enforcement (country of origin, antidumping, counterfeiting) to complex forensic analysis of novel chemicals.

Performing scientific assessments to provide resource budgetary needs and communicates the spend plan details to Branch Chief (first-line supervisor) to include funding towards operations, equipment, training and development, travel, quality-related services and supplies.

Conducting technical analysis on novel samples or those involving high complexity to develop identity, grade and composition of samples, and information on origin, methods of manufacture, etc., using complex wet laboratory procedures and advanced instrumentation. GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table.

Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position. Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts.

Requirements & Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Contact

cbphiring-applicantinquiry@cbp.dhs.gov · 855-500-3722

Frequently Asked Questions

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $106437 – $138370/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-09-03.

How many openings are available?

There are 10 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.