Research Chemist (Polymeric Materials Scientist)

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.

Qualifications:

Basic Requirements:

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 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