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Technical Information Specialist

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Montgomery County, Maryland
Closing date
Apr 26, 2021
Duties

Summary

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Library is pleased to announce an exciting employment opportunity for an exceptional candidate to serve as an informationist and lead the Library's data services program. If you have experience providing information and data services in a biomedical library setting and want to play a significant role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the NIH Library team. For more information, visit https://www.nihlibrary.nih.gov/services/data .
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

  • Serves as lead and/or subject matter expert for the Library's data services program.
  • Assesses NIH researchers' training needs in the areas of data management, data visualization, data analysis, and R and Python programming.
  • Develops and delivers graduate-level training to understand users information needs.
  • Provides one-on-one advice and consultations in the areas of data science.
  • Assists NIH researchers in using the NIH Library's data sciences workstation which offers a suite of tools for data analysis, processing, and visualization for a variety of different types of data.
  • Consults and collaborates with NIH staff to aid them in locating, accessing, identifying, and managing information.
  • Performs outreach across NIH and HHS to understand users information needs and markets library services and resources that meet those needs.


Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

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.


Qualifications

Basic Education Requirements:
In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the following Basic Requirements:
A. Have a full 4-year course of study that meets all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with major study in the subject-matter field of the position to be filled;
OR
B. Have four years of experience that provided a knowledge of the basic principles, theories, practices, techniques, and terminology of a discipline or subject-matter field; an understanding of the standard methods, procedures, and techniques of research and analysis in the subject-matter field; and where appropriate, ability to read and comprehend nontechnical material in one or more foreign languages. Such experience is equivalent to that which would have been gained through a 4-year college curriculum.
OR
C. Have a combination of education and experience as described above.

In addition to the above basic requirements, to qualify for a Technical Information Specialist at the GS-11 level, you must have:
A. completed 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) related to the position;
OR
B. 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: responding to requests for specialized information in the biomedical field; performing assignments involving the categorization, summarization, or location of scientific, biomedical, or other specialized information; indexing and retrieving specialized scientific and technical materials in the biomedical field; assisting in identifying, evaluating, and implementing tools, methods, and processes to make electronic information more usable.
OR
C. a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

In addition to the above basic requirements, to qualify for a Technical Information Specialist at the GS-12 level, 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: modifying standard information retrieval practices, precedents and techniques and adapting automated systems to solve a variety of information organization, access and dissemination problems in a biomedical environment; developing and implementing new and innovative information products and services needed by clinical and biomedical research groups; evaluating the efficiency of operations and quality of products for library automation projects and recommending improvements; collecting, and reporting statistics documenting trends in biomedical research, and recommending changes to the collection; developing training plans and web-based training modules to assist customers in the use of library systems and services.

In addition to the above basic requirements, to qualify for a Technical Information Specialist at the GS-13 level, 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: evaluating and developing new library information systems, applications and library services to support the information needs of a biomedical research organization; performing reference and research services relating to biomedical subjects; tracking trends in scientific and biomedical research and analyzing their impact on the library collection; performing outreach services to understand user's information needs and marketing library services and resources that meet those needs; evaluating, recommending, and managing electronic library information systems, databases, and other library resources pertinent to a biomedical library program.

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.

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.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11072476

Education

If you qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, 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 packages. 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 .
  • 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.
  • At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: (telework, flexible schedules).
  • A current federal government employee may receive a relocation incentive if moving from a different geographic location. 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 .
  • A newly appointed or reappointed employee may receive service credit for prior work experience or active duty uniformed service that otherwise 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 being filled 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.
  • 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 for a detailed look into the benefits, awards, leave, retirement and other incentives employees may receive as part of a rewarding work environment.


How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application and responses to the online questionnaire will be evaluated under Category Rating and selection procedures for placement in one of the following categories:
  • Best Qualified - for those who are superior in the evaluation criteria
  • Well Qualified - for those who excel in the evaluation criteria
  • Qualified - for those who only meet the minimum qualification requirements
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Applicants determined to be Best Qualified will be referred for further consideration. Preference eligibles in the Best Qualified category are referred before all other applicants.

To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings by the information you provide in your application. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as having knowledge of your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin prior to receiving an offer.

To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) , you must be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry and substantively exceed the basic qualifications by scoring at least an 85 on the assessment and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS
RESUME:
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We cannot assume you have performed the necessary experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career.

To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder . If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position:
  • Job title
  • Name of employer
  • Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format)
  • Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
  • Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable)
  • Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position)

  • If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you must list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume.

    Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.

    For resume writing guidance, please visit the following resources: NIH Jobs website , USAJOBS Resource Center , and the USAJOBS Resume Writing Video Tutorial .

    ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
    You must submit a completed assessment questionnaire.

    Unless otherwise stated, we will only use the information above to determine your qualifications. Not providing the required information may result in a determination that you do not meet minimum requirements for the position (e.g., an ineligible rating) or a lower rating.

    REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PREFERENCE OR ELIGIBILITY CLAIMS
    To claim veterans' preference, career transition selection priority, Schedule A or military spouse eligibility, you must provide the documentation listed below AND respond accordingly to the associated question on the online questionnaire.
    • Veterans' preference (DD-214, VA Disability Letter, etc.): Reference Standard Form 15 (SF-15) for required documentation for 10 point claims. Submission of SF-15 is not required, unless you are claiming derived preference (XP) as described in questions 7, 8, or 9 on the SF-15. In those cases, you must submit a completed SF-15 and the required documentation. For 5 point claims, you must submit your DD-214 (if separated) or any written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package.
    • Visit our sites on Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) / Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) for more information and required documentation.
    • Visit our site on the Appointment of Certain Military Spouses for more information and required documentation to verify eligibility.
    • Schedule A Eligibility (Applicants with Disabilities) Applicants who are eligible to be considered under Schedule A must submit appropriate documentation to verify eligibility. Documentation must be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter must be printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. Veterans' preference takes precedence in these appointments.

    The Schedule A and military spouse hiring authorities do not guarantee employment or give an individual preference in the hiring process.

    If you do not provide the required information, we will assume you are not eligible, or you do not wish to be considered for any preference or eligibility.

    Do not submit documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.

    If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

    Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

    Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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