Physicist

Summary

The Communications Technology Labritory is seeking a physicist to lead research on quantum-based Josephson voltage sources for microwave metrology, establishing traceable SI links with minimal uncertainty and developing advanced RF measurement capabilities. The incumbent designs superconductive circuits, conducts cryogenic experimentation, mentors staff, and collaborates broadly to advance NIST's mission-critical quantum research and measurement infrastructure.

Duties

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In this position, you will:

- Plan, develop, and perform research on quantum-based Josephson voltage sources related to microwave metrology.

- Establish traceable links from the SI to microwave measurements with minimal uncertainty and developing RF measurement services and Standard Reference Instruments that use quantum-based sources.

- Design superconductive circuits for realizing both the quantum-based sources and the calibration devices needed to tie these to laboratory measurements.

- Invent and refine techniques to minimize uncertainty in the use of quantum-based sources to perform microwave measurements.

- Create project plans, design experiments, improve test infrastructure, and perform cryogenic testing to characterize circuit performance.

- Train and mentor staff and graduate students in these duties.

- Document research progress and results; communicate and collaborate with NIST researchers as well as with industry, academic, and other non-NIST government researchers to advance NIST mission-critical quantum research and development.

- Write proposals for internal and external funding sources; present results at NIST internal meetings as well as at domestic and international technical conferences; and publish technical research results and best practices.

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

All applicants must submit a resume NOT TO EXCEED two pages on standard-size paper. If the resume exceeds two pages, only the first two pages will be reviewed for qualifications or assessment determinations.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

A. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.

OR

B. 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 A or B 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.

AND

In addition to the basic qualifications above, applicants must possess one of the following to qualify:

A. One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level (ZP-II at NIST).

Specialized experience is defined as:

- Experience in precision RF measurement of superconducting circuits, radio frequency (RF)/microwave signals, circuit design and modeling.

- Experience working with stakeholders and interfacing between the scientific community and other agency funding sources.

- Experience publishing and presenting technical information.

OR

B. Master's or equivalent graduate degree

OR

C. Combination of education and experience

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.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 3-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:- your performance and conduct;- the needs and interests of the agency;- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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 such as:

• Flexible work schedules
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Family-friendly leave
• Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families

• Back-up child care program
• Child and elder-care resources
• On-site childcare center
• Lactation spaces
• Wellness programs
• Fitness center
• Employee assistance programs

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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.