Synthetic Biology Scientist

Summary NIST's Engineering Biology Program and Cellular Engineering Group is seeking a Synthetic Biology Scientist to research measurement capabilities. This role will advance wetlab automation, protocols, and quantitative evaluation of engineered parts like proteins and RNA circuits. Collaborate with stakeholders to create standards and disseminate results through publications. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. Learn more about this agency Duties As a Synthetic Biology Scientist supporting the NIST Engineering Biology Program and Cellular Engineering Group, your core responsibilities include: Characterization of engineered proteins. Implementing automated wet-lab workflows. Developing quantitative measurement platforms. Addressing protein sequence-function challenges. Identifying reference material needs. Generating data for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications. 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 designing synthetic biology pathways, optimizing cell-free expression systems, engineering diverse microbial systems, and programming high-throughput laboratory automation platforms. 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