Biomanufacturing Technician

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a hands-on specialist to advance production of DNA and RNA reference materials. You will execute precise molecular assays, manage biological cultures, and uphold pristine lab conditions, contributing to standards and therapeutics research.

In this role you will perform nucleic acid assays, maintain inventories, troubleshoot complex procedures, and help develop new laboratory methods and publications at the Biomanufacturing

Qualifications

• Specialized experience at GS-8 level or higher, or equivalent education/experience.
• Two years of graduate-level education or a master's degree in a related field.
• Combination of education and experience may qualify for 100% requirement.

Responsibilities

• Perform and optimize precise nucleic acid extraction and quantification assays (qPCR, dPCR) to support DNA/RNA reference material development.
• Cultivate and maintain biological cultures under strict aseptic conditions.
• Manage complex biological inventories with zero-defect tracking and anti-contamination protocols.
• Document experiments, analyze data, and contribute to new lab procedures and publications.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Nucleic acid quantification

Inventory management

PCR assay troubleshooting

qPCR/dPCR experience

Education

Master's degree or 2 years of graduate education in a related field

Tools

qPCR instruments

Biological culture handling tools

Job description

Summary

Join NIST's Biomanufacturing Measurement Services team and help advance the science behind next-generation therapeutics and biological standards. In this hands-on role, you will be critical to the production of DNA and RNA reference materials by executing precise molecular assays, managing complex biological cultures, and ensuring pristine laboratory conditions. This is your opportunity to make a massive impact at the forefront of biotechnology and metrology.

Duties

In this position, you will: Support NIST's Biomanufacturing Measurement Services by independently performing and optimizing highly precise nucleic acid extractions and quantification assays (qPCR, digital PCR) to directly drive the development of DNA and RNA reference materials. Execute rigorous aseptic techniques to cultivate and maintain biological cultures (mammalian, viral, or bacterial) and independently carry out complex biological assays. Ensure laboratory operational readiness by managing complex biological inventories using zero-defect tracking procedures and strict anti-contamination protocols. Maintain meticulous laboratory records, troubleshoot laboratory requirement, analyze experimental data, and contribute to the development of new laboratory procedures, research reports and publications.

Qualifications

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION, APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Specialized experience: One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-8 level (ZT-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Executing rigorous aseptic techniques, preparing sterile media, and maintaining strict contamination mitigation protocols within a biological, clinical or molecular laboratory environment; AND 2) Managing complex biological inventories, including tracking and labeling samples with high accuracy to maintain organized inventories; AND 3) Performing and troubleshooting complex biological, clinical or microbiological assays (e.g., cell, viral, bacterial) AND 4) Performing and troubleshooting nucleic acid quantification assays (e.g., qPCR, RT-qPCR, dPCR or other PCR based measurements). OR Education: Two full years of graduate education or a master's degree in a field of study directly related to the work of the position. OR Combination of specialized experience and graduate education: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. 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