Clinical Metrology Technician

Summary NIST is seeking a Physical Science Technician to support the production of Reference Materials. This role is analytical focused on supporting the NIST Standards program through high-level measurement science. The core responsibility is to use advanced laboratory instruments, like LC-MS, to analyze complex samples and certify official Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for clinical and food applications. Learn more about this agency Duties In this position, you will: Perform data analysis and apply chemical analysis methods to determine organic chemical constituents in high-purity and complex matrix samples. Participate in certifications of NIST solutions, clinical and food SRMs, as well as other SRMs using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and other instrumental techniques. Effectively work with Tech Project Leaders to determine and conduct scientific measurements; understand & resolve measurement discrepancies & evaluate sources of bias, leading to the production of Reference Materials with direct impact on the NIST Standards program. Research, procure, evaluate, prepare, and package materials for reference materials. Compose scientific reports shared throughout the Division. 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 In order to qualify, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-10 (ZT-III at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as: Experience with characterization and value assignment of reference materials Experience with maintenance of, and analysis on liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry instrumentation (LC/MS) Experience in sample preparation for clinical materials and food materials. Experience with chemical inventory management systems Experience with balance verification using class 01 weights, including uncertainty estimation 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 Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position. 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. 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. 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.