Duties

As an Identity Standards Lead at NIST, you will lead the research and development of technical standards for identity management systems. You will serve as a subject matter expert for the Digital Identity and PIV programs, ensuring technical alignment and representing the agency in global forums. Lead research and standards development for identity domains, including identity proofing, authentication, and federation. Manage and advance high-profile NIST Identity Projects, such as the Digital Identity Guidelines (SP 800-63) and the PIV card publication suite. Represent NIST smart card and identity programs in national policy discussions, standards bodies, and international engagements. Collaborate with identity and cryptography program leads to align technical standards with strategic agency initiatives.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Experience must be IT-related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate . GS-5 through GS-15 (or equivalent): For all positions, individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. In addition to the above 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 performing research and contributing to the development of technical standards for identity domains (such as identity proofing, authentication, or federation). Experience assisting in the creation or update of digital identity guidelines and publications (such as NIST SP 800-63 or FIPS 201/PIV). Experience participating in national or international standards bodies, technical committees, or policy engagement forums. Experience working across technical teams to support the implementation of cybersecurity or identity-related projects. 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 translate directly into 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

Qualifications are based solely on meeting specialized experience requirements. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position.

Other Information

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. This position is covered under NIST's 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. NIST strives to build a flexible, encouraging work environment that brings 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.