Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

Physical Scientist

Department of Commerce
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Associate Director for Laboratory Programs
This job announcement has closed

Summary

NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Physical Scientist 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.

Overview

Help
Job canceled
Open & closing dates
12/20/2024 to 12/30/2024
Salary
$163,964 to - $191,900 per year
Pay scale & grade
ZP 5
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Gaithersburg, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Travel Description displayed on Announcement Text page.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Term - 4-YEARS
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
5
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
ADLP-600-25-12651143-DH
Control number
825286200

Videos

Duties

Help

The Physical Scientist position serves as a subject matter expert on research security matters, providing advice and guidance to NIST leadership and staff on compliance with relevant regulations and policies on research security matters. In this position, you will:

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of NIST's research security program, ensuring alignment with the CHIPS and Science Act and other relevant legislation.
  • Develop and deliver training programs on research security topics, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of research security measures.
  • Provide technical expertise and support to NIST researchers and staff in areas related to safeguarding science and technology, particularly in the context of semiconductor technologies.
  • Serve as a liaison between the ADLP and the CHIPS R&D and other NIST programs, facilitating collaboration and information sharing.
  • Manage research security-related projects and initiatives associated with the CHIPS and Science Act, ensuring timely and effective reviews, and presenting results.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • 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
  • Top Secret/SCI required

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

OR

B.
Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

IN ADDITION: To the above basic requirements:

ZP-V: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specializedexperience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level (ZP-IV at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience conducting and overseeing risk assessment and risk management protocols to protect intellectual property.

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.

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!

  • Your application package may be shared with other selecting officials at NIST for similar opportunities and additional selections may be made from this vacancy.
  • Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
  • All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
  • A trial period may be required.

This position requires the passing of a drug test


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 such as:
  • Telework
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid vacation
  • Sick leave
  • Family-friendly leave
  • Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families
  • Back-up child care program
  • Child and elder-care resources
  • On-site childcare center
  • Lactation spaces
  • Wellness programs
  • Fitness center
  • Employee assistance programs

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

How you will be evaluated: We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documents to assess your qualifications for this position. Please be sure that your resume and supporting documents include detailed information to support your qualifications for this position. Failure to provide sufficient and/or legible evidence in your resume or supporting documents may result in a "not qualified" determination. You MUST select at least ONE eligibility (i.e., how you wish to be considered) to receive consideration for this position.

Referral: All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are not rated and ranked, and veteran preference does not apply.

CTAP or ICTAP eligibility: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must be determined eligible and rated as well-qualified to receive special selection priority. "Well Qualified" means that in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective placement factor(s), if applicable, you must receive a score of 85 or higher. Please review the following site regarding required documents to support CTAP or ICTAP eligibility and additional information regarding this authority - CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.