Physical Scientist (International Standards Coordinator)
Company
Department of Commerce - National Institute of Standards and Technology
Location
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Type
Full Time
Job Description
Summary
NIST's Standards Coordination Office manages programs and activities to enhance U.S. industry competitiveness on issues related to technical standards and conformity assessment and federal agency coordination in developing and using standards and conformity assessment. This position supports U.S. priorities for standards and conformity assessment related to domestic and international trade by working with representatives of other government agencies, foreign governments, and the private sector.
Duties
The International Standards Policy and Coordination Group leverages technology standards to support and advance U.S. policy objectives and in close partnership with other federal agencies and the private sector, coordinates engagement and leadership in standards-related bilateral and multilateral government-to-government dialogues, partnerships, and agreements.
In this position, you will:
- Apply scientific knowledge, expertise, and experience to provide leadership on technical standards issues
- Liaise with U.S. Department of Commerce Bureaus and the Interagency on standards-related engagements
- Work with Federal, state, local, and foreign government officials and the private sector on technical standards development
- Prepare and synthesize ideas from standards engagements and discussions.
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
All applicants must submit a resume NOT TO EXCEED two pages on standard-size paper. If the resume exceeds two pages, only the first two pages will be reviewed for qualifications or assessment determinations.
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.
In addition to the basic requirements above, 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 direct experience in implementing and coordinating technical standards-related engagements and partnerships with entities such as governments and standards developing organizations within and outside of the United States on standards issues and policies.
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 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.
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.
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Date Posted
03/16/2026
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