USAJOBS - Job Announcement

This position is located in the Applied Genetics Group, Biomolecular Measurement Div, MML, NIST in Gaithersburg, MD

Are you ready to explore your future with NIST?

Your application package may be shared with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like the one you are applying to. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

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Reviewing applications

Open & closing dates

12/09/2019 to 12/16/2019
Salary

$69,581 - $108,422 per year
Pay scale & grade

ZP 03
Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Gaithersburg, MD 1 vacancy
Telework eligible

No
Travel Required

Occasional travel - Occasional travel to conferences related to the project.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Term
Work schedule

Full-Time
Service

Competitive
Promotion potential

03
Job family (Series)

0401 General Natural Resources Management And Biological Sciences
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Other
Drug test

No
Announcement number

NISTMML-2020-0012
Control number

553679500

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Clarification from the agency

* All qualified U.S. citizens * Current Federal employees serving under a career or career- conditional appointment in the competitive service; * Former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; * CTAP/ICTAP eligible; * National Service (Peace Corps & VISTA); * Applicants eligible under special hiring authorities (i.e., Appointment of certain military spouses, Schedule A); OR * Veterans who are eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA).

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The incumbent will design, construct, and carry out experiments to assess the propagation of viruses and other pathogens in model cell lines and/or primary cells. S/he will develop and carry out analyses for the characterization, quantification, and detection of viruses in biological systems; and performs and optimizes DNA and RNA extraction methods from cells and viruses.

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Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. citizen
You must be registered for Selective Service if applicable (www.sss.gov)
You must be suitable for Federal Employment

Applicants must meet requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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 in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

IN ADDITION: To qualify, applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (or ZP-II at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as experience with ELISA assays, flow cytometry, antibodies, Western blots, Zika virus, viruses, Dengue virus, viral culture, microbiology, fluorescent microscopy, plasmid production, mammalian cell culture, vaccines, DNA, RNA, genomics, and public health.

OR

Master’s or equivalent graduate degree

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.

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains Federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the OPM website located at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/

Applicants may request reconsideration of their qualifications determination within three business days from the date their applicant status was changed. Applicants should email the Agency Contact listed in this vacancy announcement with their written request listing the announcement number; explaining why the original determination was improper; what factors were not considered; and, should provide any other pertinent information that would enable reevaluation.

Education

This position has an education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcripts to document that you have met the education requirement. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required prior to the final offer of employment.

Foreign education: Individuals educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for a U.S. equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. View a listing of these accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. Provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing.

Additional information

A two year trial period may be required.

This appointment may be extended up to four years without further competition.

This position is covered by an Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). This system replaces the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and grade with career paths and pay bands. For information regarding how the pay bands correspond to the General Schedule, click here.

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.

NIST offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employee Retirement System. NIST also offers a broad array of work-life flexibilities and services to employees such as flexible work schedules, teleworking transit subsidies, on-site child care, fitness center, credit union, employee assistance programs, and free parking. Learn more about NIST's work life programs by clicking here.

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.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applications will be evaluated against the basic qualifications. Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, salary, duties performed for each position, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level/pay band. Please also include in your resume a list of all publications and patents/patent applications on which you are a named inventor and provide the title and patent/patent application number for each. Qualified candidates will be considered in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Direct Hire Guidelines. Veterans' Preference does not apply to the direct hire recruitment procedures. Selections made under this notice will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. You may not be considered for the position if any part of the application is incomplete. Your application may not receive appropriate consideration without the required supporting documentation.

To preview questions please click here.

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.

NIST offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employee Retirement System. NIST also offers a broad array of work-life flexibilities and services to employees such as flexible work schedules, teleworking transit subsidies, on-site child care, fitness center, credit union, employee assistance programs, and free parking. Learn more about NIST's work life programs by clicking here.

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.

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

What documents do I need to submit? In addition to your resume, you must submit a copy of your transcripts to document that you have met the education requirement. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required prior to the final offer of employment.
How do I submit my documents: You may submit required and/or supplemental documents through any ONE of the following methods:

Upload your file(s);
Download from your USAJOBS account;
Fax using the on-line fax cover sheet;

All required supporting documentation mentioned in this vacancy announcement, and all vacancy applications submitted electronically or via fax must be submitted and received by 11:59 pm ET on the closing date of this announcement. You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.

Are you CTAP or ICTAP Eligible? If you are a Federal employee claiming special priority selection rights under DOC's Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or your Agency's Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must meet the threshold of "well qualified" for the position to receive priority consideration. DoC defines well qualified as receiving an overall score of "85". In order to be eligible and considered under CTAP or ICTAP procedures, you must submit proof that you meet the requirements of 5CFR 330.605 (a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of your agency's notice, a copy of your most recent Performance Rating and a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting current position, grade level, and the duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible. If you are determined eligible for CTAP and ICTAP consideration, you may be required to respond to job-related questions in order to assess your “well qualified” status. Responses to the questions must be reflected in your resume. If the your responses are not supported by information in your resume, they may be modified and, as a result, your score may be lowered.

For more information about CTAP and ICTAP, please refer to the following web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ctap.

Please review the information on the following link to determine if there are any documents you need to provide - https://www.nist.gov/careers/information-new-employees/applying-jobs-required-forms

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section of the announcement.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.

2. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.

3. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.

4. To verify the status of your application, log in to your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

5. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov/. and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application."

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online to receive full consideration, however if you are unable to apply online, please contact the Agency Contact identified for this vacancy.

Problems Completing Your Application

If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by email at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at 866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

Agency contact information

Susan C. Engle

Phone: 301-975-3034
Fax: 571-258-4254
Email: susan.engle@nist.gov
Address: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
100 Bureau Drive
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899
United States

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After the announcement closes, your application package will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualification requirements. We expect to make a final job offer within 45 days from the closing date of the announcement.

You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Applications." The status will be visible next to the corresponding position. The four points of notification are:

1. Application Received or Application Incomplete;

2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;

3. Referred or Not Referred; and

4. Selected or Not Selected

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Help

What documents do I need to submit? In addition to your resume, you must submit a copy of your transcripts to document that you have met the education requirement. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required prior to the final offer of employment.
How do I submit my documents: You may submit required and/or supplemental documents through any ONE of the following methods:

Upload your file(s);
Download from your USAJOBS account;
Fax using the on-line fax cover sheet;

All required supporting documentation mentioned in this vacancy announcement, and all vacancy applications submitted electronically or via fax must be submitted and received by 11:59 pm ET on the closing date of this announcement. You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.

Are you CTAP or ICTAP Eligible? If you are a Federal employee claiming special priority selection rights under DOC's Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or your Agency's Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must meet the threshold of "well qualified" for the position to receive priority consideration. DoC defines well qualified as receiving an overall score of "85". In order to be eligible and considered under CTAP or ICTAP procedures, you must submit proof that you meet the requirements of 5CFR 330.605 (a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of your agency's notice, a copy of your most recent Performance Rating and a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting current position, grade level, and the duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible. If you are determined eligible for CTAP and ICTAP consideration, you may be required to respond to job-related questions in order to assess your “well qualified” status. Responses to the questions must be reflected in your resume. If the your responses are not supported by information in your resume, they may be modified and, as a result, your score may be lowered.

For more information about CTAP and ICTAP, please refer to the following web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ctap.

Please review the information on the following link to determine if there are any documents you need to provide - https://www.nist.gov/careers/information-new-employees/applying-jobs-required-forms

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section of the announcement.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.

2. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.

3. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.

4. To verify the status of your application, log in to your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

5. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov/. and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application."

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online to receive full consideration, however if you are unable to apply online, please contact the Agency Contact identified for this vacancy.

Problems Completing Your Application

If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by email at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at 866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

Agency contact information

Susan C. Engle

Phone: 301-975-3034
Fax: 571-258-4254
Email: susan.engle@nist.gov
Address: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
100 Bureau Drive
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899
United States

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After the announcement closes, your application package will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualification requirements. We expect to make a final job offer within 45 days from the closing date of the announcement.

You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Applications." The status will be visible next to the corresponding position. The four points of notification are:

1. Application Received or Application Incomplete;

2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;

3. Referred or Not Referred; and

4. Selected or Not Selected

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Biologist, ZP-0401-III (equivalent GS-11/12)

Summary

Overview

Open & closing dates

Salary

Pay scale & grade

Location

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Work schedule

Service

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

Supervisory status

Security clearance

Drug test

Announcement number

Control number

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Education

Additional information

Benefits

How You Will Be Evaluated

Benefits

Required Documents

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair and Transparent

Required Documents

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair & Transparent