Summary

Interested in supporting cutting-edge vision research at the National Eye Institute? We are seeking a Laboratory Research Scientist to support molecular diagnostics, laboratory operations, scientific data management, and quality improvement for research and clinical programs. If you have experience with laboratory research support, specimen processing, scientific data, and quality practices, we encourage you to apply.

Duties

Help

As a Laboratory Research Scientist, you will:

• Plan, coordinate, and perform complex laboratory and clinical research-support activities, including specimen handling and processing, molecular diagnostic procedures, and related laboratory operations.
• Maintain the quality and integrity of laboratory operations by evaluating laboratory processes, identifying discrepancies or operational issues, and implementing or recommending corrective actions and process improvements.
• Support scientific data management activities by collecting, validating, analyzing, and reporting laboratory and research data while ensuring data quality, accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable policies.
• Develop, implement, and refine laboratory methods, standard operating procedures, workflows, and documentation to improve efficiency, consistency, and operational effectiveness.
• Coordinate laboratory operations by monitoring equipment, supplies, and inventories; supporting quality assurance and regulatory activities; and ensuring laboratory readiness.
• Collaborate with scientists, clinicians, and multidisciplinary teams to support research initiatives, resolve technical issues, and achieve laboratory and program objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and training to laboratory staff, fellows, students, and collaborators on laboratory procedures, scientific documentation, equipment use, and research-support activities.

Requirements

Help

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.
• 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.
• Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
• Position requires Education

Qualifications

In order to qualify for a Laboratory Research Scientist, GS-0601, position you must have successfully completed a full 4 year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree or graduate/higher level degree with major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. (This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained).

In addition, in order to qualify for a Laboratory Research Scientist, 0601 at the GS-11 level, you must have:

A. completed 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field; OR

B. at least 1 year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level in the Federal Government obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: Performing laboratory or clinical research-support activities, including specimen handling and processing; Maintaining laboratory records, scientific documentation, and research data in accordance with established procedures; Assisting with quality assurance or quality control activities and resolving routine laboratory or data issues; Preparing reports, data summaries, or other technical materials to support laboratory and research operations; OR

C. a combination of graduate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

In addition, in order to qualify for a Laboratory Research Scientist, 0601 at the GS-12 level, you must have at least one year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Government obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: Independently planning and carrying out complex laboratory or clinical research-support assignments; Performing or coordinating specimen handling and processing, molecular or diagnostic laboratory support activities, quality assurance procedures, and scientific documentation; Evaluating laboratory discrepancies or operational deficiencies, recommending corrective actions, and adapting laboratory methods, workflows, or data processes to improve quality and efficiency; Generating reports, data analyses, or data extracts and providing technical guidance to support laboratory operations and research activities.

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 or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

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 knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview application questionnaire before you apply:

Education

This position has an education requirement. 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 package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign 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

• 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.
• At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: telework.
• Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
• PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration.
• Visit our Help Applying page for helpful information on the application process.
• If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable Accommodation.
• 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.
• If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.