What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bioprocessing Specialist position at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)?
Summary
NIST is seeking a Bioprocessing Specialist to develop standardized, quantitative measurement strategies for the expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) within bioprocessing environments. This role advances the standardization of cell therapies from experimental guesswork to validated, data-driven production of iPSC-based treatments. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
Duties
As a Bioprocessing Specialist supporting NIST's biotechnology measurement programs, your core responsibilities include: Cell Culture & Bioprocessing: Maintaining and scaling induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using both standard plates and bioreactors. Data Acquisition: Operating advanced instrumentation-including microscopy, flow cytometry, and genomic screens-to monitor cell health and differentiation. Bioinformatics & Image Analysis: Developing computational pipelines and using statistical software to extract quantitative measurements from complex biological datasets. Protocol Standardization: Creating robust, reproducible workflows for iPSC phenotype switching and maintaining rigorous data integrity documentation. Scientific Communication: Collaborating with stakeholders to identify standardization needs and publishing findings in high-impact reports and journals.
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 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 experience in stem cell culture, stem cell characterization with modern microscopy, flow cytometry, RNA and DNA screen tools, bioprocessing laboratories and process measurements. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree 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
NIST is seeking a Bioprocessing Specialist to develop standardized, quantitative measurement strategies for the expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) within bioprocessing environments. This role advances the standardization of cell therapies from experimental guesswork to validated, data-driven production of iPSC-based treatments. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
Duties
As a Bioprocessing Specialist supporting NIST's biotechnology measurement programs, your core responsibilities include: Cell Culture & Bioprocessing: Maintaining and scaling induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using both standard plates and bioreactors. Data Acquisition: Operating advanced instrumentation-including microscopy, flow cytometry, and genomic screens-to monitor cell health and differentiation. Bioinformatics & Image Analysis: Developing computational pipelines and using statistical software to extract quantitative measurements from complex biological datasets. Protocol Standardization: Creating robust, reproducible workflows for iPSC phenotype switching and maintaining rigorous data integrity documentation. Scientific Communication: Collaborating with stakeholders to identify standardization needs and publishing findings in high-impact reports and journals.
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 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 experience in stem cell culture, stem cell characterization with modern microscopy, flow cytometry, RNA and DNA screen tools, bioprocessing laboratories and process measurements. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree 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