Photographer (Scientific-Technical)

National Institutes of Health • Montgomery County, MD

11d

About The Position

The Photographer (Scientific-Technical) uses specialized medical and scientific photography to document patients, specimens, procedures, research activities, and scientific findings in support of clinical research and patient care at the National Institutes of Health. The role works with physicians, scientists, researchers, and other professional staff to understand project objectives and select appropriate photographic approaches.

At the GS-12 full-performance level, the position plans photographic coverage; performs patient, clinical, close-up, and magnified photography; selects and adapts equipment and techniques to suit the subject and scientific objectives; solves challenging imaging problems; processes and manages digital images; and provides technical consultation about photographic methods and visual communication. At GS-11, the work is similar but less complex and is performed under closer supervision and more detailed guidance.

The position is designated emergency essential. The selected employee must be available to report for duty under all circumstances to support coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Work includes extended standing, walking or climbing stairs, recurring bending, crouching, or stretching, and lifting lightweight to moderately heavy equipment and materials. It involves moderate exposure risks from irritant chemicals or infectious diseases and may require safety precautions and protective gear. A pre-employment medical examination and evidence of immunization are required, and the employee must be free from communicable diseases.

Requirements

• For GS-11: At least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least GS-09 in the Federal service, or equivalent private- or public-sector experience, performing relevant medical or scientific photography work.
• For GS-12: At least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least GS-11 in the Federal service, or equivalent private- or public-sector experience, performing relevant specialized medical or scientific photography work.
• U.S. citizenship or proof of U.S. National status by the announcement closing date.
• Meet all qualification requirements within 30 calendar days of the announcement closing date, including time-in-grade requirements.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Successful completion of a background investigation, qualification verification, onboarding forms, required documentation, and other job-related requirements.
• If selected, pass a pre-employment medical examination, provide evidence of immunization, and be free from communicable diseases.
• For GS-11, experience must include using photographic equipment and techniques to document medical or scientific subjects; medical photography; applying anatomy and medical terminology; addressing imaging requirements or problems; and providing imaging support to professional staff.
• For GS-12, experience must include determining technical approaches and selecting equipment and methods; specialized medical or clinical photography; capturing subtle or difficult details using advanced techniques; adapting techniques or equipment to solve complex imaging problems; and providing technical consultation.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in photography or biomedical photography, or specialized training in medical photography, anatomy, and medical terminology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialized medical and scientific photography using professional cameras, lenses, lighting, magnification, and imaging techniques to document patients, specimens, procedures, research activities, and scientific findings.
• Plan and coordinate photographic coverage of medical and scientific projects in consultation with physicians, scientists, researchers, and other professional staff.
• Perform patient and clinical photography documenting anatomical and pathological conditions, medical and surgical procedures, and other medically relevant subjects.
• Perform close-up and magnified photography of biological and scientific subjects, including specimens, tissue, microorganisms, experimental procedures, and other research subjects.
• Select and adapt photographic equipment and techniques based on the subject, environmental conditions, scientific objectives, and desired results.
• Develop solutions to difficult imaging requirements by adapting equipment and lighting techniques to improve image quality and capture subtle or scientifically significant details.
• Process, enhance, manage, and deliver digital images using professional imaging software and appropriate file formats and workflows.
• Provide technical consultation and photographic support on photographic techniques, visual documentation, image design, file formats, and approaches for communicating medical or scientific information.

Benefits

• Potential repayment of certain outstanding federally insured student loans, subject to organizational need, case justification, and budget limitations.
• Possible service credit for prior related work experience or active-duty uniformed service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to approval before entering on duty.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility depends on the position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed