Computer Scientist

NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Computer Scientist to join our team!

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

Advances measurement science through immersive visualization of a very large scale scientific data acquired from high performance computing (HPC), simulation, and laboratory experiments. Conducts independent research into immersive scientific visualization in CAVEs and augmented reality systems and contributes to the development of the ParaView and VisIt software systems through hardware and software implementations. Develops scientific workflow applications for visualization of data from HPC. Collaborates with NIST scientists on visualization of their data in immersive environments. Mentors guest researchers and student interns. Writes research reports and makes presentations at conferences and workshops.

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

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• Job family (Series)

  1550 Computer Science

• Requirements

  RequirementsConditions of Employment
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment
  QualificationsBasic Requirements:
  Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.
  
  In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of the specialized experience at the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). The specialized experience is defined as experience with virtual reality (VR), especially CAVEs, and augmented reality design and development, including input hardware and user interface. Experience with the use of specialized graphics hardware (e.g. GPU RTX technology), VR integration systems (e.g. VRTool, FreeVR, VRJuggler, OpenSceneGraph, OpenSG, Unity, Unreal Engine); visualization software, including (a) the ParaView and VisIt data analysis and visualization systems, and use of their application programming interfaces (API) for custom feature development; (b) the ParaView VR plugin, and (c) VTK graphics library and its API. Programming experience in C/C++, Python, and javascript, and the use of the Linux operating system. Experience in the visualization of results from scientific applications implemented on high performance computers. Experience in carrying out research projects in immersive visualization, including evidence of successful scientific collaborations.
  
  Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application.
  
  The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.
  
  Applicant Reconsideration Education

  This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.
  
  Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course by course listing) is required with your application.

  Additional information

  The physical worksite for this position is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. However, the Information Technology Laboratory is currently under a mandatory telework posture due to the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, this position is currently under a 100 percent telework schedule. The position's telework schedule will likely change in the future when Information Technology Laboratory moves away from its mandatory telework posture. At that time, the incumbent will be expected to report to the physical work site in accordance with the updated status requirements of their supervisor. The nature and scope of future telework opportunities will be subject to the unit's telework policy, any applicable bargaining unit agreements, and supervisory approval. Payment of relocation expenses, as applicable, will be paid in accordance with this Job Opportunity Announcement. Non-compliance with the supervisor's telework-schedule requirement could result in adverse action, including separation.
  
  This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). The APMS is a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Find out more about the APMS here!
  
  A three year probationary period may be required.
  
  We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.

  
  How You Will Be Evaluated

  You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

  We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documents to assess your qualifications for this position.
  
  All applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are not rated and ranked and veteran's preference does not apply.
  
  CTAP and ICTAP Eligibility: To be eligible for CTAP or ICTAP consideration, you must submit the required documents to establish eligibility (see required documents) and meet the minimum qualification requirements. You may be contacted to provide a response to assessment questions related to the position. To be considered CTAP or ICTAP eligible, you must receive a well-qualified score of at least 85 of out 100 on your assessment responses. Additional information may be found at: CTAP/ICTAP.
  
  Resume Guidance
  Evaluation Process
  

  Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance

  Not Required

  Drug test required

  No

  Position sensitivity and risk

  Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

  Trust determination process

  Suitability/Fitness

• Required Documents

  Required Documents

  In addition to your resume, transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.
  
  Failure to submit required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

• The public

  U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates (this includes Merit Promotion, Status Candidates, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VRA, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled, EVHO, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Interchange Agreement Eligibles, and National Guard).