Quality Assurance Specialist: Protecting the Future of NIH Research
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) serves as the backbone of global biomedical research. Behind every scientific breakthrough are secure, efficient, and well-maintained facilities. The Division of Physical Security Management (DPSM) is currently seeking a highly skilled Quality Assurance Specialist to join their team in Montgomery County, Maryland. This role is pivotal in ensuring that physical security programs and contractor operations meet the highest federal standards.
Job Responsibilities
As a Quality Assurance Specialist (GS-1910), your day-to-day duties will involve:
- Surveillance and Auditing: Planning and executing quality assurance reviews and inspections for physical security systems.
- Contractor Oversight: Acting as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor deliverables and operational performance.
- Technical Evaluation: Validating and verifying that equipment, systems, and installations meet technical specifications.
- Data Analysis: Applying root-cause analysis and statistical methods to identify and rectify performance trends.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to secure and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
- Demonstration of specialized experience in quality assurance, inspection, or compliance auditing.
- Submission of a detailed resume (limited to two pages) and completion of the online application questionnaire.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade Level | Key Qualification Focus |
|---|---|
| GS-09 | Basic QA support and data collection. |
| GS-11 | Independent planning, auditing, and performance trend analysis. |
| GS-12 | Complex system evaluation and root-cause analysis leadership. |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $70,623 to $133,142 per year, depending on the GS grade level attained. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement plans including FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan.
- Opportunities for student loan repayment.
- Access to generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Application Tips
- Resume Strategy: Keep your resume to two pages. Clearly define your employer names, employment dates, and specific accomplishments.
- Assessment Preparedness: You will likely be required to take a competency-based assessment. Set aside two hours of uninterrupted time and review the online resources provided by the USA Hire portal.
- Documentation: Have your transcripts and SF-50 (if a current/former federal employee) ready before you begin the application.
The Quality Assurance Specialist role at the NIH offers a rare combination of mission-driven work and professional growth. If you have the technical expertise to monitor, evaluate, and improve critical physical security infrastructure, we encourage you to apply before the closing date. Take the next step in your federal career and help secure the future of medical discovery.
Why This Quality Assurance Specialist Job Matters
Join the National Institutes of Health and play a vital role in safeguarding world-class biomedical research by ensuring rigorous physical security standards across our facilities.
Quality Assurance Specialist Job Overview
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically within the Office of Research Services, is seeking a dedicated Quality Assurance Specialist to support the Division of Physical Security Management. In this role, you will perform critical quality assurance reviews, audits, and inspections to maintain the integrity of physical security systems at NIH facilities. You will collaborate with contractors and internal stakeholders to evaluate performance, document compliance, and recommend corrective measures for complex security operations.
Requirements for Quality Assurance Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Completion of a background investigation and suitability assessment.
- Must meet specialized experience or education requirements for GS-09, GS-11, or GS-12 levels.
- Proficiency in quality assurance procedures, statistical sampling, and root-cause analysis.
- Must complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) annually.
Preferred Qualifications for Quality Assurance Specialist
- Demonstrated expertise in physical security system inspections and contractor oversight.
- Advanced education (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Quality Assurance, Statistics, Engineering, or related technical fields.
- Experience serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or Project Officer.
- Strong proficiency in applying statistical methods and technical evaluation criteria to complex projects.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement Benefits (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Paid Leave and Federal Holidays
- ✓Flexible Work Schedules
- ✓Student Loan Repayment Programs (as applicable)
💡 How to Apply Quality Assurance Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Quality Assurance Specialist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your relevant experience in two pages or less.
- Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS carefully.
- Submit your online application, including the mandatory questionnaire.
- Monitor your email for a link to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.
- Complete all required assessments within the 48-hour deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit.
- Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri with 0.5-inch margins for readability.
- Focus your resume on accomplishments, duties, and specific results rather than just job descriptions.
- Be prepared to provide unofficial transcripts if qualifying based on education.
- Double-check your email spam folder for assessment links after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the security clearance level for this position?
This position requires a Secret level security clearance.
Can I work remotely?
This position is not remote-eligible, though it offers telework eligibility depending on specific role requirements.
Is a college degree mandatory?
While specific degrees (such as in Engineering or Statistics) can qualify you, you may also qualify through specialized work experience alone or a combination of both.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.*
How do I know if I qualify for GS-12?
*A: You must demonstrate at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in conducting audits and evaluating complex quality management systems.*
Job from National Institutes Of Health
As a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH is the world's premier biomedical research organization. With 27 distinct Institutes and Centers, the NIH fosters a community of 18,000 employees dedicated to saving lives and improving health outcomes. By joining the ORS/DPSM team, you will be directly contributing to the safety and longevity of the nation’s most important scientific assets.