Biologist

Summary The Department of Commerce ranked top 5 in the 2023 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government amongst large agencies for the 12th year in a row! The ranking showcases the Departments continued commitment to increasing our employee engagement, employee satisfaction, and positive perceptions towards diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. Responsibilities In this position, you will: Participate in the development and application of methods of inorganic chemical analysis, especially for food and dietary supplement reference materials, using mass spectrometry and other techniques; Lead and participate in quality assurance programs for chemical analysis of dietary supplements; Develop and use of scientific judgement and technical decision making without close supervision by management; Have close interaction with other NIST staff as part of technical teams performing NIST research and developing NIST measurement services; Represent NIST in national and international committees and working groups. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Basic Requirements Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED ABOVE: To qualify, applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level (ZP-II for NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience conducting a wide range of molecular biology techniques and data relevant analysis. This experience must include the following activities: (1) Experience administrating a quality assurance program with duties including interactions with participants, data analysis of submitted data and writing summary report of the participants results; (2) Experience with elemental analysis measurements particularly for materials that would be considered food or dietary supplements; (3) Experience with analytical chemistry method development, either developing new measurement methods or improving existing methods; OR Masters or equivalent graduate degree OR A combination of education and experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). 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. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. Applicant Reconsideration Education This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment. Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Educations website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application. Additional Information This position is covered under NISTs Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! Your application package may be shared with other selecting officials at NIST for similar opportunities and additional selections may be made from this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A trial period may be required. This appointment may be extended up to four years without further competition. NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities such as: Telework Flexible work schedules Paid parental leave Paid vacation Sick leave Family-friendly leave Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families Back-up child care program Child and elder-care resources On-site childcare center Lactation spaces Wellness programs Fitness center Employee assistance programs