Gene Delivery Systems Immunologist

Summary

NIST is seeking a biologist to characterize and compare viral and non-viral gene delivery systems. You will analyze complex biological datasets to benchmark vehicle efficiency and safety. This highly collaborative role works across cross-functional teams to accelerate next-generation genetic medicines.

Responsibilities

• Advance measurement capabilities and platform reliability for characterizing viral and non-viral gene delivery systems.
• Utilize diverse cytometer platforms to design and conduct rigorous research that improves characterization precision.
• Develop wet-lab procedures and specialized cell culture approaches to establish quantitative measurements for health and bioscience applications.
• Engage key stakeholders to identify high-impact opportunities for assay validation, control material development, and standardized procedural guidelines.

Qualifications

• Basic Requirements:
• Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
• OR
• Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• AND
• 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 demonstrated expertise in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture, with specialized hands-on experience utilizing flow cytometry to evaluate immunology pathways and optimize gene delivery systems.
• OR
• Master's or equivalent graduate degree
• OR
• A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as defined in the additional requirements.

Additional Information

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.

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.