About the opportunity
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking a Senior Technical Laboratory Manager for a GS-0601 position at the GS-14 grade level in Montgomery County, Maryland. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight for laboratory operational planning. You will act as a principal advisor to Center and Branch Chiefs and Institute Director, supporting the development and maintenance of necessary scientific capabilities within the Division. Major duties include coordinating laboratory transitions and start-ups, managing budgets and procurement, serving as the primary point of contact for equipment needs, identifying operational risks, and participating in the design and execution of high-priority laboratory experiments and studies.
Salary and benefits
- Annual salary ranging from $143,913 to $187,093 per year (GS-14 pay scale)
- Comprehensive federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and leave options
- Opportunities for teleworking in accordance with agency policy as a designated non-emergency/teleworker position
Who can apply?
- Must have completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelor's or graduate degree with major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences, or allied sciences
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service (private or public sector)
- Experience must include independently planning, designing, and executing laboratory operational work, applying advanced management and budgeting knowledge, interpreting broad guidelines to resolve operational problems, and managing scientific and industry relationships
Required documents
- Resume (maximum two pages, detailing relevant job titles, employer names, employment dates, hours worked per week, and detailed duties)
- Completed application questionnaire
- Eligibility documentation if applicable, such as a copy of your most recent competitive career or career-conditional SF-50
- Transcripts (unofficial transcripts accepted during application, official transcripts required prior to offer if selected)
When to apply
- Opening Date: October 22, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Review the full vacancy announcement and instructions on USAJOBS
- Prepare a resume conforming to the two-page limit and formatting guidelines
- Click the Apply Online button on USAJOBS and follow prompts to log in and upload documents
- Complete the online application questionnaire and respond to all eligibility questions
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date deadline
- Check your email and USAJOBS account for notifications regarding required USA Hire Competency Based Assessments
Additional information
- This position is designated as a non-emergency/teleworker position
- A one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required depending on appointment type
- Selected candidates may be required to complete online assessments through the USA Hire system within 48 hours of notification
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…
- Experienced laboratory operations professionals with a strong background in health sciences, medical research administration, or allied scientific fields.
- Candidates possessing federal experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent private-sector management experience directing complex laboratory projects.
- Strong strategists and negotiators skilled at managing budgets, equipment procurement, and cross-functional scientific teams.
What should you think carefully about?
- The application window is very short, closing on October 26, 2026, requiring immediate preparation of application materials.
- Strict resume length limit of two pages enforced by the hiring agency.
- Applicants may be required to complete rigorous online assessments through the USA Hire system within a tight 48-hour window post-deadline.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role fits professionals aiming to step into a high-level advisory and operational leadership capacity within a premier biomedical research institution. It offers a structured federal career path with comprehensive responsibilities in resource management, strategic planning, and scientific operations oversight.
Our take
This opportunity is well-suited for experienced laboratory managers and health science administrators with federal or comparable high-level management backgrounds who can quickly assemble a concise, targeted application before the October deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
