Biologist

Summary

NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Biologist to join our team! This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

Applies biological sciences and computational expertise to lead technical and policy efforts for the NIST Artificial Intelligence Institute (AISI) biosecurity team. Develop, manage, and lead the AISI's approach to assessment of both scientific capabilities and potential national security risks of chem-bio AI models including those that aid in the analysis, prediction, or generation of novel chemical or biological sequences, structures, or functions. Works closely with technical research staff within the AISI, U.S. government partners, and the scientific community to develop and apply new technical approaches and methodologies for assessing design capabilities and performance of chem-bio AI models. Builds and coordinates a network of scientific and the national security stakeholders to define guidelines for assessing and mitigating potential risks of chem-AI models while enabling innovation. Provides guidance to AISI leadership on emerging benefits and risks at the intersection of AI and biotechnology. Serves as a technical representative for the AISI biosecurity team at interagency, academic, and other external meetings. Leads and manages other lines of effort for the biosecurity team as designated by the Team Lead including shaping and defining the longer-term strategy of biosecurity efforts.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. ZP-IV: In Addition: All applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience Computational Biology, Machine learning, Biotechnology, Computer, experience evaluating or developing specialized chem-bio AI models and experience working with other federal agencies in Computational Biology, Machine learning, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Structural Bioinformatics or closely related field. ZP-V: In Addition: All applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (ZP-IV at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience in Computational Biology, Machine learning, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Structural Bioinformatics or closely related field, experience working with, evaluating, and developing specialized chem-bio AI models and experience communicating with subject matter experts in your domain as well as policymakers 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. Applicant Reconsideration