Academic Program Manager

Summary NIST is seeking a Physical Scientist to manage the renowned NIST NRC Postdoctoral Research Associateship Program. This role advances national standards and contributes to innovations in measurement science. 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 At the ZP-3 level, you will: Assist with coordinating program operations, including tracking participants, maintaining program records, and supporting onboarding and offboarding processes. Prepare and distribute program materials, reports, and routine communications to stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Support outreach and engagement activities with academic institutions and research partners by coordinating meetings, events, and communications. Assist in implementing established policies, procedures, and guidelines related to academic and postdoctoral programs. At the ZP-4 level, you will: Lead and administer the NIST NRC Postdoctoral Research Associates Program and related scientific academic initiatives, ensuring alignment with NIST's research mission and strategic priorities. Plan, develop, and implement program policies, procedures, and operational strategies to support the recruitment, selection, and management of postdoctoral researchers. Establish and maintain partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and federal stakeholders to strengthen scientific collaboration and talent pipelines. Provide expert guidance and recommendations to leadership on academic program policies, workforce planning, and program direction. Represent NIST in interagency, academic, and professional forums related to scientific workforce and academic engagement programs. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. citizenship Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment Completion of Confidential Financial Disclosure, Form OGE-450 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. ZP-1301-III: In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience assisting in academic program management, designing professional development programs, and coordinating engagements with external academic and government stakeholders. 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. ZP-1301-IV: In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience leading academic programs and engaging with scientific disciplines; managing career development initiatives for graduate and postgraduate programs; and representing an organization at academic and STEM outreach initiatives with external stakeholders. 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. 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 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.