Research Geophysicist - Air Force Research Laboratory

[Kenny Ryan]

Research Geophysicist, Air Force Research Laboratory, Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is searching for a Research Geophysicist. The AFRL Atomic Long-Range Systems Branch (RVBN) provides basic and applied research that supports significant capability improvements in Air Force Nuclear Explosion Monitoring (NEM) for underground tests. RVBN seeks to fill the interdisciplinary position of Research Geophysicist at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

Position duties include but are not limited to:

• Work with branch level PMs to manage contract efforts with academia and industry to ensure program execution
• Provide technical leadership to determine program research directions for NEM RDT&E in RVBN’s NEM program
• Ensure highest Air Force and national NEM priorities are addressed by the research program, and that potential and expected NEM capability improvements are fully communicated and coordinated with AFTAC and other NEM customers
• Assess opportunities for capability improvements from the dynamic state of the art in nuclear explosion monitoring research from the AFRL program and other related programs including AFTAC, DOE and DTRA, related basic science programs such as AFOSR and NSF, and similar or applicable fields of study such as seismic hazard monitoring and data science
• Advocate for all significant capability improvements through the AFRL chain-of-command and through customer agencies and chains
• Ensure AFRL in-house and external efforts are making substantial improvements that are put to use by AF monitoring such as AFTAC. Lead development of new capabilities related to nuclear explosion monitoring
• Plan training and integration projects with interagency partners and stakeholders
• Foster collaboration with DOD partners and stakeholders as well as DOE/NNSA National laboratories

Required Qualifications:

• US Citizenship
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in science, engineering or mathematics
• Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade or equivalent grade level.  Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization
• Experience in seismological research and/or related research fields applicable to nuclear explosion monitoring, potentially including data sciences, equivalent to an advanced degree
• Demonstrated experience with further advanced research and/or operational monitoring
• Applicants must have the ability to obtain a DOD TS/SCI clearance

Desired Qualifications:

•  3-15 (or more) years experience solving scientific problems by conducting or directing research
• Experience in researching new operational monitoring capabilities
• Familiarity with broad state-of-the-art in fields related to NEM research
• Able to assess likely technical performance of potential research and its likely impacts on the NEM field
• Experience equivalent to a doctoral degree in seismological research and/or related research fields applicable to nuclear explosion monitoring, potentially including data sciences
• Experience in technical leadership of diverse groups of researchers to tackle multidisciplinary challenges
• Strong and effective communication skills, critical thinking skills and practical problem-solving
• Ability to recognize significant research opportunities and engage multiple parties in exploring these opportunities

Don’t think you meet every requirement for this position? Studies have shown that many talented candidates don't apply because they assume that they are not qualified and do not feel like they meet every single requirement.  At AFRL we are dedicated to building a workplace with diverse experiences, perspectives and talent that enables us to effectively accomplish and accelerate our mission.  So, if you’re excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly to the duties, we strongly encourage you to apply! You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Information about the position and application submittal is at https://airforcestem.recsolu.com/external/requisitions/C-sTGwqAj8vBEi5GGUPw7A
Accepting Applications until at least 24 January, 2024, and the deadline will be extended until suitable candidates are found.