Radiochemist

Summary

NIST is seeking a Radiochemist to conduct fundamental research on applications related to radioactivity measurement. This position focuses on developing methods and instrumentation for accurate measurement of radioactivity. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

As a Radiochemist, this role focuses on fundamental research in the measurement of radioactivity. The candidate will:

• Collaborate as a creative member of a radioactivity research team.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results related to radionuclide measurement techniques.
• Work with research groups and external experts to coordinate efforts.
• Design and validate experimental frameworks to evaluate accuracy and precision.

Basic Requirements:

• A. Degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that includes 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by coursework in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
• 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.

ZP-III 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 conducting experiments involving measurements, preparing radioactive sources, operating and calibrating instruments such as photon detectors, and preparing technical reports for scientific publications.
• OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree in related field.
• OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as defined in the additional requirements.

ZP-IV BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• A. Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by coursework in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
• 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.
• AND in addition:
  To qualify, applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as conducting experiments involving measurements; preparing radioactive sources; operating and calibrating instruments such as photon detectors; preparing technical reports for scientific publications; analyzing experimental data from radionuclides; and compiling data sets and interpreting results.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) and other organizations. 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.