About this role
Job SummaryNIST is seeking a Metabolomic Chemist in Charleston, SC as a technical leader in high-order metrology. In this critical role, you will serve as a subject matter expert developing quantitative NMR (qNMR) techniques and advancing reference materials for metabolomics. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
QualificationsBasic 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 performing analytical characterization of biological materials, developing sample preparation techniques to assess identity and concentration of these materials, performing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis of biological and chemical samples, and maintaining accurate experimental records and summarizing data. 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. 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
Major DutiesIn this position, you will: Implement sample preparation protocols and high-accuracy methods of analysis for biological molecules in calibration solutions, Standard Reference Materials (SRMs), biological matrix samples, Quality Assurance Program study materials and other reference materials. Conduct certification measurements, stability evaluations and other material feasibility studies associated with NIST SRMs using NMR. Conduct metabolomics experiments using NMR on reference materials and materials originating from outside collaborations. Interpret metabolomic results from experiments using principles of biochemistry and analytical chemistry. Prepare reports and manuscripts on experimental results.