Academic Program Manager

Full Job Description

NIST is seeking a Physical Scientist to manage the renowned NIST NRC Postdoctoral Research Associateship Program.

This role advances national standards and contributes to innovations in measurement science.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Basic Requirements: Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

or Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

ZP-1301-III: In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level (ZP-II at NIST).

Specialized experience is defined as experience assisting in academic program management, designing professional development programs, and coordinating engagements with external academic and government stakeholders.

OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR Combination of education and experience.

ZP-1301-IV: In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST).

Specialized experience is defined as experience leading academic programs and engaging with scientific disciplines; managing career development initiatives for graduate and postgraduate programs; and representing an organization at academic and STEM outreach initiatives with external stakeholders.

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 Major Duties:

At the ZP-3 level, you will: Assist with coordinating program operations, including tracking participants, maintaining program records, and supporting onboarding and offboarding processes.

Prepare and distribute program materials, reports, and routine communications to stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Support outreach and engagement activities with academic institutions and research partners by coordinating meetings, events, and communications.

Assist in implementing established policies, procedures, and guidelines related to academic and postdoctoral programs.

At the ZP-4 level, you will: Lead and administer the NIST NRC Postdoctoral Research Associates Program and related scientific academic initiatives, ensuring alignment with NIST's research mission and strategic priorities.

Plan, develop, and implement program policies, procedures, and operational strategies to support the recruitment, selection, and management of postdoctoral researchers.

Establish and maintain partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and federal stakeholders to strengthen scientific collaboration and talent pipelines.

Provide expert guidance and recommendations to leadership on academic program policies, workforce planning, and program direction.

Represent NIST in interagency, academic, and professional forums related to scientific workforce and academic engagement programs.