Intelligence Research Specialist

Summary

This position is part of the Department of Energy's Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (IN) with responsibilities for providing technical and analytical support on cyber intelligence issues.

Duties

This is an Excepted Service position. This appointment will not confer Competitive Service career-conditional or career tenure status. This means that if you are selected, you would have to compete with other applicants in open competition to meet requirements for another Federal position, unless you meet the requirements for reinstatement. Applicants who voluntarily convert from the competitive service, Senior Executive Service, or other pay systems to a non-time limited appointment under this excepted service authority are not afforded "fallback rights" to the pay system previously assigned prior to conversion. As a GS-13, Intelligence Research Specialist, you will: Researches and analyzes all-source intelligence reporting to evaluate adversary tactics, techniques, procedures, and malicious activity targeting Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. energy sector critical infrastructure networks. Drafts and disseminates strategic, tactical, and technical threat assessments, reports, and long-range estimates adhering to Intelligence Community (IC) analytic tradecraft standards. Partners with DOE leadership, national laboratories, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) program offices, the Intelligence Community, and energy industry stakeholders to integrate specialized expertise into comprehensive analyses. Prepares and delivers clear written briefings and oral presentations translating complex cyber and technical data for policymakers, senior IC leaders, congressional staff, and operational personnel. Identifies gaps in current reporting and develops targeted intelligence collection requirements to support cyber and energy security mission needs. Serves as a technical subject-matter expert on review panels and working groups to justify, negotiate, and defend organizational intelligence assessments.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. To qualify for the GS-11 solely on SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE, experience must be equivalent to the GS-9 level in the Federal Service as meeting ALL of the following: Analyzing cyber threat intelligence data by reviewing multi-source technical information to identify adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and assess potential risks to computer networks or critical infrastructure systems. Drafting finished intelligence reports or assessments that synthesize complex technical data into clear, written findings and projections tailored for decision-makers and non-technical stakeholders. Identifying intelligence or data collection gaps and coordinating with internal teams or external organizations to define information requirements and support cyber threat mitigation efforts. For the GS-12, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal Service as meeting ALL of the following: Gathering, evaluating, and interpreting all-source technical data and cyber threat reports to identify adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and assess potential risks to enterprise IT networks, operational technology (OT), or critical infrastructure. Writing and publishing clear, structured threat intelligence assessments, technical summaries, or advisory reports that explain complex cyber threats, draw logical conclusions, and provide actionable findings for both technical and non-technical audiences. Collaborating across internal teams or with external industry/government partners to share actionable threat indicators, identify gaps in current threat information, and request or route specific intelligence-gathering needs. For the GS-13, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal Service as meeting ALL of the following: Researched, evaluated, and correlated all-source data or technical network reporting to identify adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), threat capabilities, and vulnerabilities affecting critical infrastructure, information technology (IT), or operational technology (OT) systems. Authored finished, objective intelligence reports, technical threat assessments, or risk evaluations that synthesized complex data, addressed intelligence gaps, and forecasted potential adversary actions under tight deadlines. Communicated complex cyber threat assessments and technical findings to both technical experts and non-technical decision-makers through written briefings or presentations to recommend mitigation strategies or inform operational decisions. To qualify based solely on EDUCATION at the GS-11 grade level, an applicant must possess one of the following: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in the following fields that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. For this position, this is defined as a degree in Intelligence Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science or similarly related major OR L.L.M., if related OR Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified in the table, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-9 and GS-11. (When crediting education that requires specific course work, prorate the number of hours of related courses required as a proportion of the total education to be used.) "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education. Failure to provide college transcripts may result in a rating of 'Ineligible'. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.