Physical Scientist

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. Learn more about this agency Requirements 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: 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 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. To qualify for the ZP-3 position, this position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-2 at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as: Ability to conduct and direct an Academic program, exercise professional leadership, and provide technical overviews; skills in the development of policies, theories, principles, practices, and/or methods; experience in liaison to external stakeholders; demonstrated understanding of scientific internship, fellowship, and associateship programs; ability to justify, defend, negotiate, or settle matters involving significant or controversial issues and/or programs; experience in scientific writing and oral communication to diverse audiences; ability to plan and implement professional development, and mentoring activities; ability to plan, implement, and coordinate graduate, postgraduate, and STEM outreach programs and activities or 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or combination of education and experience. To qualify for the ZP-4 position, this position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 (ZP-3 at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as: Expertise in Academic program management, professional leadership, and creating technical reports; mastery of the development of policies, theories, principles, practices, and methods; leadership experience as a liaison to USG agencies and academic institutions; demonstrated understanding of scientific internship, fellowship, and associateship programs; expertise in justifying, defending, negotiating, or settling matters involving significant or controversial issues and/or programs experience and leadership in technical activities; extensive scientific writing and oral communication experience; expertise in planning and leading career development, mentoring and coaching activities; ability to plan, implement, and direct graduate, postgraduate, and STEM outreach programs and activities; carries out duties without supervision and recommends improvements to existing systems and processes. 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 probationary period may be required. This position requires filing an OGE-450 Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of onboarding and annually thereafter. 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 Read more Benefits 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 window Learn 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.