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

Supports the development of evaluation frameworks to identify and characterize biosecurity risks posed by frontier AI models. Aids the NIST AISI biosecurity team in mapping and assessing the landscape of existing AI model evaluations and the development of next generation of model evaluations. Develops written guidance on how to effectively conduct model evaluations for biological and chemical risks. Interfaces with other government agencies, academia, and industry to engage experts and gather input and contributing to the development of guidelines for responsible AI development in the context of biosecurity.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Designated and/or random drug testing required
• 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 TO THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED ABOVE:To qualify, applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level (ZP-II for NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience writing policy reports and white papers on biological topics, including biosafety and biosecurity; collaborating with partners on technical and policy issues related to biotechnology, biosecurity, and biosafety and coordinating stakeholders on issues at the intersection of AI and biotechnology. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR A combination of education and experience. 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]