ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR LABORATORY SCIENCES

Full Job Description

The Associate Executive Director (AED) for Laboratory Sciences directs scientific programs that advance consumer product safety through rigorous testing, compliance verification, and innovation in hazard identification.

This position influences national and international safety standards, oversees laboratory operations, and manages the Commission's lab accreditation program for third-party conformity assessment bodies.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES.

Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified.

Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s).

If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

Experience leading laboratory science programs and developing testing protocols under consumer safety statutes.

Experience managing accreditation programs for third-party conformity assessment bodies and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Experience in scientific research, hazard identification, and development of safety standards.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs.

If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five ECQs: ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding – This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.

ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency -This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.

ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture.

This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.

ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs.

Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

A bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in chemistry, biology, or engineering is preferred. Major Duties:

The AED for Laboratory Sciences provides executive leadership for the Commission's National Product Testing and Evaluation Center within the Office of Risk Reduction (EXRR).

In this role, the AED for Laboratory Sciences will: Formulate and implement long-range strategies for laboratory science programs that support the Commission's mission to reduce deaths and injuries from consumer products.

Establish priorities and allocate resources to achieve national safety objectives.

Oversee development of testing protocols and compliance programs under major consumer safety statutes (Consumer Product Safety Act, Flammable Fabrics Act, Federal Hazardous Substances Act, Refrigerator Safety Act).

Ensure programs deliver measurable results in hazard reduction and regulatory compliance.

Build coalitions with Federal agencies (NIST, DOT, DOE), state and local governments, industry leaders, and standards organizations (ASTM, ANSI, UL) to harmonize safety standards and advance scientific innovation.

Expand partnerships with third-party testing organizations and technology innovators to incorporate advanced methodologies, including virtualized environments and automated test orchestration, enhancing scalability and impact.

Direct research initiatives to develop new test methodologies and standards.

Ensure effective management of laboratory facilities, equipment procurement, and compliance with OSHA and other safety requirements.

Integrate AI-native simulation and digital twin testing to model product performance under real-world conditions, enabling predictive safety analytics and accelerated hazard detection.

Lead a diverse team of senior technical managers and. Foster a high-performing culture that emphasizes accountability, collaboration, and professional development.

Champion continuous learning in AI, automation, and advanced analytics to maintain cutting-edge capabilities within the laboratory workforce.

Drive adoption of AI-driven test frameworks and interoperability standards across industry and government to ensure consistency and transparency.

Administer and oversee the Commission's laboratory accreditation program for third-party conformity assessment bodies, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

Provide strategic leadership in accrediting, monitoring, and maintaining the integrity of third-party testing programs to support consumer product safety certification.