Summary
The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity. We seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future.
Duties
The incumbent works only under the most general supervision of the Chief of the Preservation Research and Testing Division, who may outline in general terms the scientific and technical problems to be studied and the chemical areas of opportunity which will contribute to the Library's preservation research program. Work is carried on with a high degree of independence and originality with little if any technical guidance. Results are accepted as authoritative and are reviewed generally for usefulness and degree of solution of overall preservation problems. Scientific contribution made by the incumbent has significant potential for influencing the preservation of library and archival collections worldwide. As the Preservation Scientist, you will: Designs or directs the development of unique or leading-edge technology, instrumentation, or systems to meet specific scientific or mission requirements. Projects significantly influence agency or government programs. Serves as a technical expert within a specialized field of chemistry, namely, analytical separation chemistry. Develops methodology for separation and characterization of degradation products formed in the aging of a variety of materials of which library collections are composed. Calibrates and repairs various physical, chemical and optical scientific instrumentation such as high pressure liquid chromatography systems, gas chromatography systems, mass spectrometers, X-ray fluorescence equipment, various optical spectroscopies, microscopes etc., that are routinely used to perform the necessary analysis. Operates instruments using established SOPs and provides updates as needed. Operates sophisticated laboratory instruments and equipment. Independently plans projects to solve technical problems for which definitions, methods, and/or data are highly incomplete, controversial or uncertain. Performs a literature search to find any applicable or related methods and information about the chemistry of the materials being studied. Serves as a leading scientist in chemical analysis. Performs or directs analyses of samples that require technical expertise and/or use of advanced analytical instruments. Devises new or modified test methods based on the chemical, physical and optical properties of the materials involved as well as researching new and original conservation techniques and procedures. Conducts original and novel research programs to assess properties and measure effects of a wide range of physical, chemical and optical variables on the preservation of a variety of materials. Serves as a Library of Congress technical authority on materials preservation, conservation, and duplication guidelines and policies. Works with the staff of various offices to develop guidelines and policies relating to the preservation of paper-based, photographic, magnetic, optical and all other materials in the collection of Library of Congress. Perform other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position is 012925. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a Flexitime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
How you will be evaluated
The Library of Congress evaluates applicants through an applicant questionnaire and a structured interview. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through licensing, certification, and/or education requirements, a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary telephone interview. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are marked with a double asterisk (**) in the vacancy announcement and the applicant questionnaire are considered the most critical for a position. To be considered for final selection, applicants must demonstrate fully acceptable experience in these designated KSAs in the narrative/application review, preliminary telephone and/or full structured interview. The various assessment tools listed above are designed to verify or explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection. You may preview questions for this vacancy.