About the opportunity
Join the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center as an IT Specialist (APPSW) supporting vital clinical research information systems and patient care technologies. In this role, you will plan and coordinate software testing activities, develop comprehensive test plans, execute functional and regression testing, and track software defects to ensure reliable system releases. You will collaborate closely with developers, project teams, and stakeholders to evaluate release readiness, validate system changes, and maintain high standards for clinical software applications. The position offers federal benefits, work schedule flexibilities such as telework opportunities, and a competitive salary range.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive federal salary ranging from $102,415 to $158,322 per year
- Comprehensive federal health and insurance benefits
- Work schedule flexibilities including telework and flexible schedules
- Potential for recruitment incentives or service credit for prior experience, subject to agency approval and budget limitations
Who can apply?
- Must have IT-related experience demonstrated through paid or unpaid work, or intensive training covering attention to detail, customer service, oral communication, and problem solving
- For GS-12 level, must have at least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in federal service performing software testing, test planning, defect tracking, and stakeholder communication
- For GS-13 level, must have at least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in federal service independently planning testing efforts, evaluating software risks, and providing technical direction
- Must meet all qualification and assessment requirements and submit a resume limited to two pages or less
Required documents
- A resume demonstrating qualifications aligned with the position requirements, limited to two pages or less
- Completed application questionnaire
- SF-50 (most recent competitive career or career conditional SF-50), if applicable
- Veteran documentation (such as DD-214 or VA Disability Letter), if claiming veteran preference
- Schedule A disability appointment documentation from a licensed medical professional or vocational rehabilitation specialist, if applicable
When to apply
- Date posted: October 26, 2026
- Application closing date: October 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Review the complete vacancy announcement and ensure all eligibility requirements are understood
- Click the Apply Online button on USAJOBS and sign in with your account credentials
- Upload your resume (maximum two pages) and any required eligibility documents such as SF-50, veteran paperwork, or Schedule A letters
- Complete and submit the online application questionnaire
- Monitor your email and USAJOBS account for notifications regarding mandatory USA Hire competency-based assessments, which must be completed within the specified timeframe
Additional information
- This position is designated as a non-emergency/teleworker position requiring availability to telework or request leave in the event of an agency closure
- Selected candidates may be subject to a one-year probationary period
- Online assessments through the USA Hire system may be required after application submission
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals with solid experience in software testing, test plan development, and defect tracking within clinical, health-tech, or complex research IT environments
- Federal candidates at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade levels seeking career advancement to GS-12 or GS-13 roles within the Department of Health and Human Services
- IT specialists who excel at cross-functional collaboration, communicating software risks, and coordinating release readiness with technical and clinical stakeholders
- Applicants seeking stable federal employment with built-in work schedule flexibilities and telework options in Montgomery County, Maryland
What should you think carefully about?
- The application window is extremely short, closing on October 30, 2026, which requires immediate preparation of application materials
- Resumes are strictly limited to the first two pages; any additional pages will not be reviewed by hiring officials
- Candidates may be required to complete mandatory online USA Hire competency-based assessments shortly after applying
- Relocation to or local commuting availability around Montgomery County, Maryland is necessary since the position involves designated telework and on-site requirements
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent fit for mid-to-senior IT professionals aiming to solidify their career in health informatics and clinical research technology within a premier federal research institution. It offers meaningful public service experience, structured grade progression, and opportunities to build specialized expertise in healthcare software quality assurance.
Our take
Experienced software testing and IT professionals with federal eligibility or strong technical backgrounds in clinical IT systems should apply immediately before the tight October 30 deadline. Candidates unable to meet the strict two-page resume limit or complete subsequent USA Hire assessments should bypass this posting.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
