Cryogenic Sensor Physicist

Summary

PML's Quantum Sensors Division seeks a Cryogenic Sensor Physicist to lead the development of superconducting circuits for sub-millimeter radiation measurement. You will optimize circuit performance for large imaging arrays, manage collaborator deployments, and pioneer new cryogenic applications while publishing high-impact research.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

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Duties

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NIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) sets the definitive U.S. standards for nearly every kind of measurement employed in commerce and research, sometimes across more than 20 orders of magnitude. This position is in PML's Quantum Sensors Division, whose mission is to build the metrological foundation for emerging electronic, magnetic, and photonic technologies. They achieve this by developing high-precision measurement devices, systems, standards, and methodologies and applying them to address national needs.

If you are hired as a Cryogenic Sensor Physicist for this division, you will:

• Lead the development and oversight of superconducting circuits designed to measure electromagnetic radiation intensity and polarization at sub-millimeter wavelengths.
• Optimize circuit performance by evaluating noise, dynamic range, and optical efficiency to ensure compatibility with large-scale imaging arrays.
• Manage collaborator interactions to oversee the successful deployment of NIST-developed sensor arrays in real-world applications.
• Advance cryogenic research by identifying new instrument applications and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals to maximize global impact.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

1. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics; OR
2. Combination of education and experience courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In either 1 or 2 above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must possess one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST.) Specialized experience is defined as experience in:

• the design of low temperature sensors
• microlithography layout of sensor arrays
• analysis of data sets to produce insightful plots, charts graphs, or the like
• and development of custom software in programming languages such as python

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration

Education

This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.

Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.

Additional information

This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!

• We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
• Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
• You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
• All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
• A probationary period may be required.

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.