News
NIST Earthquake Engineering Research Team Leader Position
Announcement
The Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL) seeks an Earthquake Engineering Research Team Leader in support of its role in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). NIST seeks a senior engineer, preferably with advanced degrees, in the earthquake engineering field, or equivalent experience in research and practice. This position will be filled at the ZP-IV or ZP-V level, commensurate with the individual’s education and experience and will be in either the General Engineer (0801) or Civil Engineer (0810) job series. FY 2009 increases to the BFRL earthquake engineering research budget make it possible for NIST to consider this staff recruitment action.
The successful applicant must exhibit a strong technical background in areas associated with seismic risk mitigation, such as seismic structural design and analysis, development of seismic provisions for national model building codes, structural dynamics, performance-based engineering, numerical modeling of structural behavior, non-linear structural analysis, and soilfoundation-structure interaction. In addition to possessing a strong technical background, the successful applicant must exhibit strong leadership skills and be adept in fostering strong teamwork among diverse participants.
This Earthquake Engineering Research Team Leader will work directly with the NEHRP Director to research, develop, and implement new earthquake risk mitigation measures through both in-house research and extramural efforts. In-house efforts will include developing in-house research programs, ensuring timely and cost-effective research performance, team-building, and advising the NEHRP Director. Extramural activities will include establishing and managing contract and grant efforts. In addition, the successful applicant will work directly with engineers and scientists in other federal agencies to provide successful NEHRP knowledge transfer, ranging from basic research to implementation in national model building codes.
This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with strong technical credentials in academia, industry, or government service and with proven leadership qualities, who is interested in public service leadership and a challenging career in developing a new cutting-edge NEHRP research program.
NIST would appreciate hearing from candidates as soon as possible but will accept resumes until this anticipated position is filled. U.S. citizenship is required for permanent NIST positions. Address inquiries to NEHRP Director Jack Hayes (email: [email protected], telephone: 301-975-5640).
General information regarding NIST employment is listed below.
Employment Information
- NIST History
The NIST staff includes three Nobel laureates, a MacArthur Fellow winner, a National Medal of Science winner, an astronaut who has flown twice on the Space Shuttle as a mission specialist, and several members of the National Academies. BFRL is one of the Nation's primary federal laboratories serving the construction and building industries and has statutory responsibilities for fire prevention and control, earthquake hazards reduction, windstorm impact reduction, and building and fire safety investigations. - NIST Location
NIST is located on a 578-acre campus about 25 miles from the center of Washington, D.C., in Gaithersburg, MD, just off Interstate 270 in Montgomery County. NIST has free parking on site and is well connected to the Metro (subway) system via a shuttle service for official visitors and staff. Local public schools are among the finest in the Nation. - Salary and Bonuses
Salary will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The 2009 annual salary ranges are: ZP-V positions (GS-15), from $120,830 to $153,200; and ZP-IV (GS 13/14) positions, from $86,927 to $133,543. Salary limits are typically modified each year based on approved cost of living adjustments. NIST employees are also considered for performance-related pay increases and bonuses as part of the annual performance appraisal process. NIST also has authority to provide new employee recruitment bonuses under certain circumstances. - Benefits
Federal employees are offered a generous benefits package. This includes a wide choice of health insurance plans, group life insurance, flexible spending accounts for dependent care and medical care, health savings accounts, long-term care insurance, and retirement plan (with a tax-deferred 401K savings plan). Annual and sick leave benefits are provided in accordance with established federal policies. Detailed information on these benefit programs may be found at http://www.nist.gov/hrmd/benefits/summarychart.htm. A child care center is available on the NIST campus. - Relocation Expenses
Where appropriate, NIST will cover relocation expenses in accordance with federal regulations, such as moving household goods, travel to NIST for the employee and immediate family members, house hunting trip, and temporary living quarters and per diem expenses. NIST will not cover costs associated with real estate transactions such as the purchase or sale of a house. - Additional Information
For additional information, interested individuals may visit the BFRL career web site (http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/careers/). NIST collects formal applications for current and future job openings in an automated Applicant Supply File (ASF) system. Applicants are considered when NIST fills a Direct Hire vacancy. Applications may be submitted at this web site: https://rproxy.nist.gov/asf/. - Equal Opportunity Employment
NIST is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that values, celebrates, and thrives on the rich diversity, abilities, and perspectives of its staff. NIST pledges equal access to employment, facilities, and programs regardless of race, color, religion, gender, disability status, age, national origin, or veteran status.
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