Summary

NIST is seeking a Radiochemist to conduct fundamental research on applications related to radioactivity measurement. This position focuses on developing methods and instrumentation for accurate measurement of radioactivity.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

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As a Radiochemist, this role focuses on fundamental research in the measurement of radioactivity

The Candidate will:

• Collaborate as a creative member of a radioactivity research team.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results related to radionuclide measurement techniques.
• Work with research groups and external experts to coordinate efforts.
• Design and validate experimental frameworks to evaluate accuracy and precision.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

A. Degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that includes 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience: Course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

ZP-III

IN ADDITION:

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 conducting experiments involving measurements, preparing radioactive sources, operating and calibrating instruments such as photon detectors, and preparing technical reports for scientific publications.

OR

Master's or equivalent graduate degree in related field.

OR

A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as defined in the additional requirements.

ZP-IV

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

A. Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by coursework in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

AND

In addition:

To qualify, applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST).

Specialized experience is defined as: Conducting experiments involving measurements; preparing radioactive sources; operating and calibrating instruments such as photon detectors; preparing technical reports for scientific publications; analyzing experimental data from radionuclides; and compiling data sets and interpreting results

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

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.

Additional information

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

• We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
• Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
• You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
• All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.

• A probationary period may be required.

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. For more information, please visit our Careers website.

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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

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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.

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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.