Synthetic Biology Scientist

Summary NIST's Engineering Biology Program and Cellular Engineering Group is seeking a Synthetic Biology Scientist to research measurement capabilities. This role will advance wetlab automation, protocols, and quantitative evaluation of engineered parts like proteins and RNA circuits. Collaborate with stakeholders to create standards and disseminate results through publications. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. Duties Characterization of engineered proteins. Implementing automated wet‑lab workflows. Developing quantitative measurement platforms. Addressing protein sequence‑function challenges. Identifying reference material needs. Generating data for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications. Qualifications Basic Requirements: Degree in 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 plus appropriate experience or additional education. Applicants must also have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑9 (ZP‑II at NIST) level. Specialized experience includes designing synthetic biology pathways, optimizing cell‑free expression systems, engineering diverse microbial systems, and programming high‑throughput laboratory automation platforms. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree 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: Applicant Reconsideration. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)