Secure the Future of Research: Quality Assurance Specialist Opportunity at the NIH

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) stands at the pinnacle of global medical research, and the integrity of its infrastructure is paramount to that mission. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Quality Assurance Specialist to join the Division of Physical Security Management (DPSM). This is an exceptional opportunity for a professional who thrives on operational excellence, rigorous compliance, and the critical importance of protecting world-class research facilities.

Job Responsibilities

As a Quality Assurance Specialist, your day-to-day will involve high-level oversight of physical security infrastructure. You will:

Perform comprehensive audits and inspections of security systems and contractor operations.
Utilize statistical sampling and root-cause analysis to evaluate performance data.
Serve as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), ensuring that deliverables meet technical specifications.
Collaborate on the development of Statements of Work (SOWs) and performance surveillance plans.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet specialized experience requirements or relevant educational milestones. This role is open to applicants at the GS-09, GS-11, and GS-12 levels. You must:

Provide a resume of no more than two pages.
Possess strong communication skills for reporting and compliance evaluations.
Be prepared to undergo a security clearance and financial disclosure process.

Qualifications Comparison Table

Qualification Factor	GS-09 Level	GS-11 Level	GS-12 Level
Experience Requirement	1 Year Specialized	1 Year Specialized	1 Year Specialized
Core Capability	Assisting in inspections	Planning/Conducting audits	Independent complex evaluations
Analytical Focus	Routine data collection	Evaluating trends & compliance	Root-cause & systemic improvements

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $70,623 to $133,142 per year, depending on your qualifications and grade level. Beyond base pay, the NIH offers a robust federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Potential for student loan repayment programs.

Application Tips

The competition for federal roles is significant. To maximize your chances:

Tailor your resume: Focus on your accomplishments in quality assurance rather than copying the job description.
Submit early: This position closes after 100 applications are received or by November 2, 2026, whichever happens first.
Prepare for assessments: You will likely be invited to take the USA Hire assessment. Use the resources provided in the application link to familiarize yourself with the format.

If you have the skills to maintain high standards in physical security and want to support a noble cause, the NIH is the place for you. We look forward to reviewing your application and seeing how your expertise can contribute to the safety and success of our research community.

Why This Quality Assurance Specialist Job Matters

Protect the front lines of biomedical research innovation by joining the National Institutes of Health as a Quality Assurance Specialist.

Quality Assurance Specialist Job Overview

The Division of Physical Security Management (DPSM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking a dedicated Quality Assurance Specialist to maintain the integrity of our physical security programs. You will play a vital role in ensuring that NIH facilities remain compliant with federal standards and protected against evolving threats, supporting our global mission to save lives through advanced research.

Requirements for Quality Assurance Specialist

U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
Successful completion of a drug screening
Completion of a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450)
Resume limited to two pages maximum
Completion of required USA Hire Competency Based Assessments

Preferred Qualifications for Quality Assurance Specialist

Experience in planning and conducting quality assurance audits for complex security systems
Proficiency in utilizing root-cause analysis and statistical sampling for performance evaluation
Background in evaluating contractor compliance and technical specifications
Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in quality assurance, industrial management, or engineering
Experience serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health and life insurance programs
✓Retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
✓Potential for student loan repayment assistance
✓Work schedule flexibility options
✓Career growth and professional development programs

💡 How to Apply Quality Assurance Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Quality Assurance Specialist Job

Click the apply link to begin your application via USAStaffing.
Submit a resume not exceeding two pages that clearly highlights your experience.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Monitor your email for an invitation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Complete the required assessments within the designated 48-hour window.
Upload any optional supporting documents, such as transcripts or certifications.

💡 General Tips

Do not copy and paste duties from the job announcement into your resume.
Ensure your resume includes dates of employment, hours worked per week, and detailed accomplishments.
Check your spam or junk folder regularly for communications regarding assessments.
Focus your resume on specific results achieved rather than just listing responsibilities.
Review the assessment resource center before taking the mandatory tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of this position?

You will be responsible for ensuring that physical security systems, services, and contractor operations at NIH facilities meet all established federal technical standards and contractual requirements.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this role is telework eligible, with specific terms determined by supervisor discretion.

What happens if I submit my application after the first 100 people?

The announcement includes a cap of 100 applications. It will close early if this limit is reached before the November 2nd deadline.

Job from National Institutes Of Health

The NIH is the U.S. government's primary agency for biomedical research. With 27 distinct institutes and centers, the NIH fosters innovation that saves lives every day. As part of the Office of Research Services (ORS), the DPSM ensures that every facility—from laboratories to administrative buildings—is secure, compliant, and prepared for future challenges. Joining this team means contributing to a workforce of 18,000 professionals committed to public health.