Duties

• Using Unity or similar programs or programming languages to create 3D immersive environments for use in programmatic research.
• Creating new virtual environments, maintains, and updates existing 3D environments, and assisting staff in implementing and troubleshooting all virtual environments.
• Maintaining technology used in VR/AR research studies including computers, VR equipment, peripherals, graphic design tools, audio-visual equipment, motion detection suits, face cameras, and physiological measurement devices.
• Investigating and evaluating the suitability of specific software components for assignments. Manages storage and access of data acquired from studies.
• Participating in conferences and meetings of professional groups concerned with the application of bioinformatics and computer technologies.
• Preparing written and verbal reports describing developed systems and the general application of database technology to biomedical research for publication, or for use by management.
• Researching techniques and models for simulating human behavior in 3D environments.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450
• This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades).
• This position is designated as a "non-emergency/teleworker" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/teleworker" employee.
• This position requires Occasional Travel.
• At the supervisors discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: [telework, remote work, compressed schedules, flexible schedules].

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the following education requirement:

Completed a full-four year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Digital Arts or related field.

OR

Completed a full-four year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours included a combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus.

Additional Requirements:

You qualify at the GS-12 level, if you meet the following qualification requirement:

• You must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: Assisting staff in implementing and troubleshooting all virtual environments; maintaining technology used in Virtual Reality (VR) Augmented Reality (AR) research studies including computers, VR equipment, peripherals, and graphic design tools; Performing equipment and software testing prior to implementation and troubleshooting problems.

You qualify at the GS-13 level, if you meet the following qualification requirement:

• You must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: Designing and developing scientific software applications; creating new virtual environments and maintaining updates on existing 3D environments; conducting beta-testing pre-UX testing, and data simulation software testing processes; providing technical assistance to researchers in the form of recommendations for development environment, peripheral devices, and required technology; and preparing written and verbal reports describing developed systems and the general application of database technology to biomedical research for publication, or for use by management.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11694121

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education .

Additional information

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

• Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. Employees providing healthcare or services in support of healthcare (Healthcare Workforce) may be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine because they are expected to perform duties that put them in contact or potential contact with patients. We may request COVID-19 vaccination, and other vaccination documentation from Healthcare Workforce personnel at any point during the onboarding process or at any time during your employment with NIH.
• A newly appointed or reappointed employee may receive service credit for prior work experience or active duty uniformed service that would not be creditable for the purpose of determining his or her annual leave accrual rate. All creditable service must be directly related to the duties of the position and decisions to allow for such credit must be finalized prior to the selectee's entrance on duty. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency. This information is required annually. For information, visit the NIH Ethics website: https://ethics.od.nih.gov/topics/fd.htm .
• This position is designated as a " non-emergency/teleworker " position and the selected candidate will be considered a " non-emergency/teleworker " employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave.
• A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
• PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration
• We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s). Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions.
• The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program ( E-Verify ). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process.
• Visit our Total Compensation page and this sample for a detailed look into the benefits, awards, leave, retirement, and other incentives employees may receive as part of a rewarding work environment.