Biophysical Metrologist (Nano Bioparticles)

Summary The NIST Quantitative Flow Cytometry Program is seeking a Biophysical Metrologist to advance measurement capabilities for nano- and bioparticles across platforms. This role involves developing quantitative methods, optimizing wet-lab procedures, and establishing validation assays, control materials, and standards for health applications. 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 Duties As a Biophysical Metrologist supporting the NIST Quantitative Flow Cytometry Program, your core responsibilities include: Plans research initiatives. Designs experimental frameworks to advance global measurement capabilities for nanometer-sized particles and bioparticles. Conducts nanoscale characterization. Executes high-sensitivity measurements using diverse cytometer platforms to ensure reliable material analysis. Supports wet-lab development. Establishes standardized procedures and sample preparation protocols for delicate biological nanoparticles. Engineers quantitative platforms. Builds innovative systems to enable precise, traceable measurements of nano-sized bioparticles. Advances bioscience applications. Drives the practical deployment of measurement technologies into health and medical research sectors. Engages external stakeholders. Partners with industry, academic, and government leaders to identify critical technological gaps. Identifies assay opportunities. Pinpoints sector-wide needs for new assay development, optimization, and validation. Develops control materials. Oversees the creation of reference materials to calibrate and standardize advanced instrumentation. Authors technical standards. Drafts official procedures and documentary standards to harmonize international quantitative flow cytometry. 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: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to the basic requirements: Applicants must also have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level. Specialized experience includes executing advanced flow cytometry assays, implementing multi-platform nano-bioparticle counting methods, performing molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)), and maintaining diverse mammalian cell cultures. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as defined in the additional requirements. 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 trial period may be required. This appointment may be extended up to four years without further competition. If the selection results in a temporary promotion, it can be extended not to exceed five years or made permanent without further competition. 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. Expand Hide  additional information 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 Review our benefits