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Research Security Program Manager

National Institute Of Standards And Technology

Job Location:

Gaithersburg, MD - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 169279 - 169279

Posted: 6 October 2026 (16 hours ago)

Application Deadline: 3 January 2027

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

NIST is seeking a Research Security Program Manager to serve as the primary strategic partner to the Director executing senior-level leadership to co-develop implement and manage a comprehensive agency-wide research security program.

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:

Spearhead the operational implementation of the NIST IR 8484-based research program titled Safeguarding International Science: Research Security Framework translating framework guidelines into enforceable institutional controls.
Design and execute targeted risk-mitigation strategies to defend NISTs sensitive research proprietary technologies and intellectual property (IP) from unauthorized exfiltration compromise or exploitation.
Manage the organizations response to high-priority federal data calls audits and congressional inquiries regarding research security activities and institutional compliance.
Build strategic relationships within NIST across the U.S. Government (USG) and with academia and industry partners to promote a culture of safeguarding science.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

U.S. citizenship
Males born aftermust be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment
Designated and/or random drug testing required
Bargaining Unit Position: No
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance

Qualifications

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.

In addition to the above basic requirement this position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 (ZP-IV at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as: mitigating foreign influence risks across research funding mechanisms or international collaborations and enforcing organization-wide compliance with national research integrity frameworks.

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.
Designated and/or random drug testing required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI 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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