NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Physical Science Technician to join our team! This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the date the first 50 applications are received or 11/20/2024, whichever comes first.

Duties

In this position, you will: Develops optical and electrical particle characterization methods and applies those methods to reference materials of interest to the biopharmaceutical community, and oversees operation of an X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) laboratory to provide surface characterization capabilities to researchers from multiple NIST divisions. Conducts reference material method development and operations of XPS laboratory with minimal management supervision. Scope of XPS tasks include development and maintenance of instrument capabilities, training of and guidance to users, monitoring instrument performance, initiating necessary corrective actions, promoting safe operations, and communicating instrument issues with users, thereby ensuring continued quality and availability of XPS instrument to NIST user group. Conducts research in particle characterization and XPS characterization of surfaces, leading to reference materials or contributions to papers that support industrial applications in these areas.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Must meet time-in-grade/band requirements, as applicable
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

To qualify, applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 (or ZT-IV at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience in optical and electrical characterization of particles and in operation and maintenance of an x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) instrument. XPS experience must include the following activities: (1) maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of instrument in conjunction with instrument vendor; (2) XPS data acquisition and analysis; (3) independent method development. Particle characterization experience must include the following activities: (1) skill in microscopic and electrical sensing zone characterization of particles; (2) independent method development; (3) detailed analysis of results; and (4) documentation of results by data visualization outputs and in written text. 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. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration

Education

Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position.

Contacts

• Address Biomolecular Measurement Division 100 Bureau Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20899 US
• Name: Tailor Thompson
• Email: [email protected]