NIST PREP Research Associate in Statistical Methods for Reference Material Value Transfer and Uncertainty Propagation

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration’s scientific research.

Research Title: Statistical Methods for Reference Material Value Transfer and Uncertainty Propagation

The work will entail:  This project involves collaborative research working with a team of statisticians at NIST on statistical methodology for the development of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs). The research will focus on cases where SRMs are being updated and it is desired to carry older certified values forward rather than conduct a full recertification measurement process. The project will explore the theoretical issues, risks, and statistical questions associated with this carry-forward approach. The project also involves developing theoretical methods for adjusting and propagating uncertainties when this approach is utilized.

U.S. Citizen Preferred

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Work with scientific collaborators to help refine and clarify project goals and timelines.
• Use statistical modelling and simulation studies to explore the appropriateness of reusing certified values in a range of situations.
• Develop a theoretical framework for expanding uncertainties to account for the reuse of values.
• Implement statistical methods via a high-level programming language such as R or Python.
• Present and communicate results and statistical analysis to non-statisticians.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in statistics or a related quantitative field.
• Experience with data analysis and statistical simulation.
• Proficiency in at least one of R or Python.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Privacy Act Statement
Authority:  15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose:  The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the  Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor’s degree holders, graduate students, master’s degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses:  NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices:  NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure:  Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.

SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.

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