Biopharmaceutical Technician

Summary NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Biopharmaceutical Technician to join our team! The Bioanalytical Science Group at NIST develops and validates reference methods, reference materials and reference data to enable accurate characterization of complex biological systems. Our work underpins analytical measurements across diverse applications including mass spectrometry-based analysis of proteins, glycans and oligonucleotides. Duties In this position, you will: Support the development and maintenance of NIST biomanufacturing reference materials by independently performing analytical characterization of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acid-based materials (including mRNA). Develop and apply hydrolytic and enzymatic sample preparation techniques to confirm reference material properties, including identity, concentration, and amino acid or nucleic acid sequence. Independently perform liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric (LC-MS) analysis of hydrolyzed or enzymatically digested monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and mRNA to assess quality and quantity and document results. Troubleshoot experimental issues and optimize sample preparation and instrumental parameters as needed to improve laboratory procedures. Maintain detailed experimental records, including the electronic location of experimental data, and document any deviations from established protocols. Summarize research results and contribute to research reports and publications. Adhere to all applicable laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean working environment. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. citizenship Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment Merit applicants must meet time-in-grade/band requirements, as applicable Bargaining Unit Position: No Qualifications One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 (ZT-II at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as: Performing analytical characterization of proteins, peptides, and/or nucleic acid-based materials. Developing sample preparation techniques to assess identity, concentration, and/or sequence of these materials. Performing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of hydrolyzed or enzymatically digested proteins and/or mRNA Maintaining accurate experimental records and summarizing data -OR- Master's degree in a field of study that is directly related to the work of the position -OR- Two full years of graduate education (36 semester hours) in a field of study that is directly related to the work of the position -OR- An equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate education beyond the first 1 1/2 years (27 semester hours) of progressive graduate study. Graduate education must be in a field of study that is directly related to the work of the position. 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 allows applicants to qualify with education. 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 trial period may be required. This appointment may be extended up to four years without further competition. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: 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 Overview - Agency Resource Center 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: 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 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 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.