The officers and employees of the Institute, except the director, shall be appointed by the Secretary at such time as their respective services may become necessary.

Notwithstanding section 3104 of title 5 or the provisions of any other law relating to the appointment, number, classification, or compensation of employees, the Secretary shall have the authority to make appointments of scientific, engineering, and professional personnel, and to fix the basic pay of such personnel at a rate to be determined by the Secretary at rates not in excess of the highest total annual compensation payable at the rate determined under section 104 of title 3. The Director shall appoint not more than 15 personnel under this section.

The authority under section 1