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Forensic Social Scientist Program Manager

National Institute Of Standards And Technology

Job Location:

Gaithersburg, MD - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 169279 - 169279

Posted: 6 October 2026 (2 days ago)

Application Deadline: 3 January 2027

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

NIST is seeking a Forensic Social Scientist Program Manager. This role leads key operations and applies behavioral science principles to expand access to scientific data and drive information sharing.

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

Duties

In this position you will:

Oversee operational and administrative activities for the Special Programs Office (SPO) to support division priorities and objectives.
Conduct studies and evaluations in the social and behavioral sciences to support forensic science criminal justice and research program objectives.
Coordinate strategic initiatives program activities and cross-functional projects with internal and external stakeholders.
Represent the organization in meetings working groups and collaborative engagements with scientific and criminal justice partners.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

U.S. citizenship
Males born aftermust be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment
Completion of Confidential Financial Disclosure Form OGE-450
Bargaining Unit Position: No
Obtain and maintain a Noncritical Sensitive -Secret Clearance

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

In addition to the above basic requirement this position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 (ZP-4 at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as: Directing high level research in human factors behavioral scienceor industrial/organizational psychology related to forensic or criminal justice systems; analyzing processes and data to improve performance and reduce operational risks; and providing expert technical guidance to 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

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 before a final offer of employment.

Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. 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 Educations website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.

Additional information

This position is covered under NISTs Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS) a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!

We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
A probationary period may be required.
A supervisory probationary period may be required.
Completion of Confidential Financial Disclosure Form OGE-450.
Obtain and maintain a Noncritical Sensitive -Secret Clearance

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information please visit our Careers website.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Required Experience:

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