Why Employees Like Working at NIST

Credit: R. Wilson/NIST

“I love working at NIST as a biologist because I can make an impact on patient health by helping develop standards on flow cytometry and cell and gene therapies. I am constantly learning new skills and knowledge and have gained an appreciation for the ‘NIST’ approach. My passion for science is fueled through serving as a subject matter expert in consortiums and STEM outreach programs. 

My colleagues are a talented group that brings fresh ideas on complicated research problems. NIST cares about employee professional development and work-life balance. Having a flexible work schedule and, more importantly, a caring team leader has made a big difference for me and my growing family.”

–Jerilyn Izac, biologist, Material Measurement Laboratory 

Credit: K. Andrews/NIST

“I began my career at NIST through the Pathways Program, which provided me with a strong foundation and the tools to grow into my current role as a professional HR Specialist. The supportive environment and opportunities for development have been instrumental in my journey. I love working here because of the meaningful impact we make, the collaborative culture, and the emphasis on work-life balance. NIST is a place where I feel challenged, valued, and surrounded by colleagues who genuinely support one another.”

–Kat Andrews, HR specialist, Office of Human Resource Management

Credit: A. Daniels/NIST

“I have had the pleasure of working at NIST for the past 12 years. I started as an apprentice in their central utility plant and now serve as the lead engineering technician. Their strong commitment to professional development and training has helped me advance significantly and I’m grateful for all the opportunities provided to me. The work is challenging, rewarding, and I know that my work is supporting some of the most advanced and cutting-edge scientific research in the world. The entire NIST community is not only highly skilled and knowledgeable, but they are also passionate about their roles and dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.”

–Andrew Daniels, engineering technician, Central Utility Plant

Credit: B. Hayes/NIST

“NIST is a great place to work; it’s like conducting research at an academic institution. We have some of the smartest people in the world on our campuses. I really enjoy getting to work on different research projects that matter to the nation and have an impact on its people. I work on human-centered technology projects which are all about helping others. What better organization to do that? I’ll add that the people I work with are amazing – my project teams, my group, my division, and my lab. All across NIST, I work with remarkable people who are excited about the work they do.

– Shanée Dawkins, computer scientist, Information Technology Laboratory