NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Biologist to join our team! This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

Lead the work on behalf of the AI Safety Institute (AISI) to understand how AI systems can facilitate chemical and/or biological attacks, and to work with AI experts within AISI to design and conduct evaluations for these risks. Work regularly with other experts in biosecurity and AI about possible biosecurity risks that could be exacerbated by AI, and AI capability evaluations that could inform AISI about those risks. Manage the identification of high priority evaluations and interpreted evaluation results into potential real world risk. Partner with experts in biosecurity to analyze or inform the design and/or carry out expert-led evaluations or red teaming exercises in areas where adequate evaluations do not yet exist. Engage with and convene diverse experts in biology to identify and address possible scientific concerns with our approach to risk assessment.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Completion of Confidential Financial Disclosure, Form OGE-450
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

Basic Requirements Degree: 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, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In Addition: All applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience in convening and leading interagency to develop strategies on biosafety and biosecurity threats and working with the Intelligence Community to counter weapons of mass destruction, serving as lead or subject matter expert on global chemical and biological issues and providing guidance and recommendations on countering bioweapons risks and biodefence matters. 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. 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 Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.

Contacts

• Address NIST Office of the Director 100 Bureau Drive Building 101/Room A1137 Gaithersburg, MD 20899 US
• Name: Audrey Zimmerman
• Phone: 301-975-4926
• Email: [email protected]