Nanomaterial Research Chemist

Summary

NIST is seeking a Nanomaterial Research Chemist who regularly plans and executes research on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to resolve complex formulation separation and purification challenges for stakeholder needs in nanosensors.

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

Duties

The major duties of the Nanomaterial Research Chemist include:

• Advances liquid separation methodologies to isolate standard single-chirality SWCNT species (nanosensors) using standard practices as a function of DNA sequences.
• Evaluates non-standard SWCNT chiralities beyond baseline materials to expand sensor-response coverage and detection capabilities.
• Conducts independent standards-oriented verification of partner-provided nanosensor lots to confirm identity and purity.
• Validates nanosensor material properties to reduce batch-to-batch variability accelerate process scale-up and enhance nanosensor technology cross-site reproducibility without duplicating partner synthesis work.
• Maintains laboratory equipment for the project including fluorescence UV-Vis and CD spectrometers.

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:

1. Degree: physical sciences life sciences or engineering that included 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

2. 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 THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must also have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as:
(a) Experience in analytical chemistry purification methods such as aqueous two-phase extraction
(b) Experience in spectroscopic characterization methods of organic materials
(c) Experience with biochemistry including DNA structure and sequence.
(d) Experience with organic semiconductor materials for applications in nanosensing.

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 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. 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