Research Chemist (Polymeric Materials Scientist)

Summary

NIST is seeking a Polymeric Materials Scientist whose focus will be on developing measurement platforms that quantify the generation of residual stress in the polymeric underfill and compression molding resins that are used as semiconductor packaging applications.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

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Duties

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The major duties of the Polymeric Materials Scientist position involve developing and applying measurement science to quantify residual stress in polymeric materials used in semiconductor packaging and evaluating the effects on material performance and reliability. This position will:

• Develop measurement platforms and instrumentation to quantify residual stress generation in polymeric underfill and compression molding resins used in semiconductor packaging.
• Conduct experimental studies to understand stress development during polymer curing, including the effects of environmental stressors such as temperature and relative humidity, and identify methods to minimize residual stress.
• Adapt and apply laser-based ablation and adhesion test methods to evaluate how residual stress and environmental conditions affect adhesion to semiconductor-relevant substrates, and disseminate findings through publications and presentations.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

1. Degree: 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

2. 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 THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must also have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as:

a) Experience in the chemistry of epoxies and other thermosetting polymeric resins

(b) Experience in the infrared spectroscopy technique to quantify the degree of cure in epoxy resins

(c) Experience in the mechanical testing of polymeric materials

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

Education

This position has an education requirement. 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.

Additional 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 is required.
• This appointment may be extended up to two years without further competition for a total 4 year term.

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website.

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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.