Biomanufacturing Technician

Summary

Join NIST's Biomanufacturing Measurement Services team and help advance the science behind next-generation therapeutics and biological standards. In this hands-on role, you will be critical to the production of DNA and RNA reference materials by executing precise molecular assays, managing complex biological cultures, and ensuring pristine laboratory conditions. This is your opportunity to make a massive impact at the forefront of biotechnology and metrology.

Duties

In this position, you will: Support NIST's Biomanufacturing Measurement Services by independently performing and optimizing highly precise nucleic acid extractions and quantification assays (qPCR, digital PCR) to directly drive the development of DNA and RNA reference materials. Execute rigorous aseptic techniques to cultivate and maintain biological cultures (mammalian, viral, or bacterial) and independently carry out complex biological assays. Ensure laboratory operational readiness by managing complex biological inventories using zero-defect tracking procedures and strict anti-contamination protocols. Maintain meticulous laboratory records, troubleshoot laboratory requirement, analyze experimental data, and contribute to the development of new laboratory procedures, research reports and publications. Qualifications

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION, APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Specialized experience: One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-8 level (ZT-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Executing rigorous aseptic techniques, preparing sterile media, and maintaining strict contamination mitigation protocols within a biological, clinical or molecular laboratory environment; AND 2) Managing complex biological inventories, including tracking and labeling samples with high accuracy to maintain organized inventories; AND 3) Performing and troubleshooting complex biological, clinical or microbiological assays (e.g., cell, viral, bacterial) AND 4) Performing and troubleshooting nucleic acid quantification assays (e.g., qPCR, RT-qPCR, dPCR or other PCR based measurements). OR Education: Two full years of graduate education or a master's degree in a field of study directly related to the work of the position. OR Combination of specialized experience and graduate education: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. 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 allows applicants to qualify with education. 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. How You Will Be Evaluated

Please prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages; only the first two pages will be considered during the review process. Ensure your font is 11 points or larger and upload your resume as a .pdf document. This helps ensure your formatting looks exactly the way you intended. How you will be evaluated: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed in this announcement. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Subject Matter Experts may be used for qualification determinations. If the minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements are met, your application will be rated and ranked among others, based on your responses to the online questions regarding your experience, education, training, performance appraisals, or awards relevant to the duties of the position. Your rating may be lowered if your responses in the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application. To preview the questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13061788 Rating: Applications will be assessed on the following competencies: Attention to Detail Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Self-Management Teamwork Technical Competence Technical Problem Solving Technology Application Referral: If you are among the top-qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview. You will be referred based on your eligibility (e.g., Merit candidate, veterans' preference, etc.). Please review the Evaluation Process on how applicants are review and referred based upon how they wish to be considered for the position. Rule of Many Rating Procedures: Applicants are ranked in score order based on their assessment rating plus Veterans preference points, as applicable. The top 150 applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. CTAP or ICTAP eligibility: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must submit proof of eligibility (See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SECTION) and be determined eligible and rated as well-qualified to receive special selection priority. "Well Qualified" means that in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective placement factor(s), if applicable, you must receive a score of 85 or higher. Please review the following site regarding required documents to support CTAP or ICTAP eligibility and additional information regarding this authority - CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility Other 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. NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. For more information, please visit our Careers website.