Reference Material Certification Chemist

Summary

The Chemical Sciences Division is looking for a scientist with the expertise to make inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurements on a variety of complex matrices in order to assign values to NIST reference materials.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

In this position you will:

• Plan and carry out difficult and complex assignments in inorganic chemical analysis with limited supervision.
• Manages the production and certification measurements of NIST Standard Reference Materials.
• Develops new methods approaches and procedures usually in cooperation with coworkers or management.
• Interacts with Stakeholders to determine future work and collaborations.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born aftermust be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

A. Degree in physical sciences life sciences or engineering that includes 30 semester hours in chemistry supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus and at least 6 semester hours of physics.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience: Course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus and at least 6 semester hours of physics plus appropriate experience or additional education.

IN ADDITION : 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 in completely digesting matrices in a safe and quantitative manner using a variety of acidic solvents experience with elemental analysis measurements particularly using Inductively Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and experience documenting lab work in conformance with a quality system.

OR

Masters or equivalent graduate degree as defined in the basic requirements.

OR

A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as defined in the additional requirements.

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.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination please refer to the following site: 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!

• We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
• Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
• You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
• All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
• A probationary period may be required.

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. For more information please visit our Careers website.

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.

Required Experience:

IC