Reference Material Certification Chemist
What you'd do
The Chemical Sciences Division is looking for a scientist with the expertise to make inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurements on a variety of complex matrices in order to assign values to NIST reference materials. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
Major duties
In this position, you will: Plan and carry out difficult and complex assignments in inorganic chemical analysis with limited supervision. Manages the production and certification measurements of NIST Standard Reference Materials. Develops new methods, approaches, and procedures usually in cooperation with coworkers or management. Interacts with Stakeholders to determine future work and collaborations.
What you need to qualify
Basic Requirements: A. Degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that includes 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR B. Combination of education and experience: Course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. IN ADDITION: To qualify, applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level (ZP-II for NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience in completely digesting matrices in a safe and quantitative manner using a variety of acidic solvents, experience with elemental analysis measurements, particularly using Inductively Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, and experience documenting lab work in conformance with a quality system. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree as defined in the basic requirements. 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
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