Duties

This position will:

• Support the NIST microbiology program to develop microbial standards and oversee general lab operations. Maintain laboratory equipment and general lab supplies/consumables.
• Work with microbial genomics team to prepare reference materials including mock communities and DNA-based materials. Includes growing and characterizing pathogenic microorganisms and evaluating cellular properties (e.g., viability) following cryopreservation and/or freeze drying.
• Performs cell enumeration on complex sample types using flow cytometry, hemocytometer, and Coulter Counter.
• Extracts nucleic acid for molecular detection methods including NGS and dPCR.
• Use automated methods (liquid handling robots, multi-well plates) for high-throughput workflows.
• Perform routine data management and analysis for microbial genomics.
• Keep consistent documentation and data entry.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Qualifications

Basic Requirements Degree: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent. or Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
IN ADDITION: To qualify, applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level (or ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience in microbiology, genomics, metagenomics, NGS instrumentation, and bioinformatic analysis software of metagenomics data.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook .

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 prior to a final offer of employment.

Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization 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 Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course by course listing) is required with your application.

Additional information

As required by Executive Order 14043 , Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or onboarding with the agency, if after November 22. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.

The physical worksite for this position is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. However, the Material Measurement Laboratory is currently under a maximum telework posture due to the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, this position is currently under a 100 percent telework schedule. The position's telework schedule will likely change in the future when Material Measurement Laboratory moves away from its maximum telework posture. At that time, the incumbent will be expected to report to the physical work site in accordance with the updated status requirements of their supervisor. The nature and scope of future telework opportunities will be subject to the unit's telework policy, any applicable bargaining unit agreements, and supervisory approval. Payment of relocation expenses, as applicable, will be paid in accordance with this Job Opportunity Announcement. Non-compliance with the supervisor's telework-schedule requirement could result in adverse action, including separation.

This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). The APMS is a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Find out more about the APMS here !

A trial period may be required.

This appointment may be extended up to four years without further competition.

We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.

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 such as:

• Telework
• Flexible work schedules
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Family-friendly leave
• Child and elder-care resources
• On-site childcare center
• Lactation spaces
• Wellness programs
• Fitness center
• Employee assistance programs