Chemist

Summary

The incumbent leads complex research, formulating systematic approaches to complex problems in the field of chemistry/biochemistry. Works with substantial freedom and exercises significant professional judgment. Extends and modifies approaches, precedents, and methods to solve obscure chemical problems. Provides leadership within lab/immediate organization and enjoys recognition in the relevant research community.

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Duties

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• Identify, define, and select specific problems for study.
• Formulate hypotheses and develop and carry out chemical studies.
• Perform a key role in resolving issues that significantly affect scientific programs.
• Extend and modify approaches, precedents, and methods to solve a variety of chemical problems with unprecedented and obscure aspects.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Position requires Education - submission of transcripts is highly encouraged.

Qualifications

Basic Education Requirements for a Chemist, GS-1320

You must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's or graduate or higher degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 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 a combination of education and experience course work equivalent to a major as shown 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.

You qualify at the GS-11 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements:

A. 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR

B. 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1.) assisting with scientific experiments and projects in support of chemical research; 2.) assisting a research team in gathering information regarding laboratory samples; 3.) performing routine laboratory testing; 4.) preparing graphs and data profiles regarding experimental results; OR

C. a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

You qualify at the GS-12 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements:

A. You must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1.) collaborating with a research team to solve chemistry related problems or make improvements to existing scientific research procedures; 2.) performing routine equipment testing and chemical analyses of fluids and tissue samples; 3.) preparing and writing periodic laboratory reports regarding experimental results.

You qualify at the GS-13 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements:

A. You must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1.) planning and developing scientific experiments and projects in support of chemical research; 2.) calibrating complex laboratory instruments; 3.) overseeing the operations of a chemical laboratory, equipment and personnel; 4.) reviewing and presenting periodic laboratory reports regarding experimental results.

A combination of education and specialized experience that meets the qualification requirements for this position.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.

Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview application questionnaire before you apply: [click to reveal website link]https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12989621

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

If you qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application packages. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

Additional information

• This position is designated as a "non-emergency/teleworker" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/teleworker" employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave.
• Based on your appointment, a one-year probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
• PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should also apply online to this announcement in order to receive consideration.
• At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: telework.
• The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Visit our Help Applying page for helpful information on the application process.
• If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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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.

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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.