Nanomaterial Research Chemist

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD seeks a Nanomaterial Research Chemist to plan and execute research on single-walled carbon nanotubes, addressing formulation, separation, and purification challenges for nanosensor applications.

You will advance liquid separation methods for single-chirality SWCNTs, evaluate non-standard chiralities, validate nanosensor materials, and maintain essential spectroscopy equipment to support cross-site reproducibility and

Qualifications

• Degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering with calculus coursework.
• Specialized experience in analytical chemistry purification methods and spectroscopy.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute research on SWCNTs to resolve formulation, separation, and purification challenges.
• Advance liquid separation methodologies to isolate single-chirality SWCNT species for nanosensors.
• Validate nanosensor material properties and maintain spectroscopy equipment.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Spectroscopic characterization

DNA biochemistry

Organic semiconductors

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering

Master’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Fluorescence spectrometer

UV-Vis spectrometer

CD spectrometer

Job description

Summary

NIST is seeking a Nanomaterial Research Chemist who regularly plans and executes research on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to resolve complex formulation, separation, and purification challenges for stakeholder needs in nanosensors. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

The major duties of the Nanomaterial Research Chemist include: Advances liquid separation methodologies to isolate standard single-chirality SWCNT species (nanosensors) using standard practices as a function of DNA sequences. Evaluates non-standard SWCNT chiralities beyond baseline materials to expand sensor-response coverage and detection capabilities. Conducts independent, standards-oriented verification of partner-provided nanosensor lots to confirm identity and purity. Validates nanosensor material properties to reduce batch-to-batch variability, accelerate process scale-up, and enhance nanosensor technology cross-site reproducibility without duplicating partner synthesis work. Maintains laboratory equipment for the project including fluorescence, UV-Vis and CD spectrometers.

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 analytical chemistry purification methods, such as aqueous two-phase extraction, (b) Experience in spectroscopic characterization methods of organic materials, (c) Experience with biochemistry including DNA structure and sequence. (d) Experience with organic semiconductor materials for applications in nanosensing. 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