About this role
Job SummaryNIST's Time & Frequency Division is hiring an Atomic Clock Research Physicist to develop and improve atomic frequency standards, advance microwave and optical clock technologies, and contribute to the UTC(NIST) atomic clock timescale. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
QualificationsBasic Requirements: Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics; OR 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 sound You must also meet one of the following additional requirements: 1. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience in the laser cooling or trapping of atoms, molecules, or ions OR 2. Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 3. A combination of graduate education and specialized 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
Major DutiesNIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) sets the definitive U.S. standards for nearly every kind of measurement employed in commerce and research, spanning more than 20 orders of magnitude. This position is in PML's Time Realization and Distribution Group, which operates an ensemble of commercial atomic clocks and purpose-built atomic frequency standards to provide the U.S. with official sources of time or frequency. If hired as the Atomic Clock Research Physicist, you will: Work closely with world-renowned experts in atomic timekeeping and application of precision time signals. Be a key contributor developing, improving, and maintaining both experimental and theoretical activities in microwave and optical atomic clocks and the UTC(NIST) atomic clock timescale. Plan and carry out difficult and complex assignments pertaining to the development and maintenance of accurate primary and secondary frequency references based on atomic physics. If you apply, please make sure your resume/CV clearly demonstrates the relevant experience described in the Requirements section below, particularly the requirements outlined under Basic and Additional Requirements. These include transcript requirements.