Physicist

Summary

NIST's Time & Frequency Division is hiring an Optical Clock Research Physicist to develop optical lattice clocks for advanced timekeeping applications. We need a talented and ambitious physicist to lead project development, working with a team of experts to advance state of the art performance. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

NIST'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 for an Optical Clock Research Physicist within the Neutral Atom Optical Clocks Group, which performs research on ultracold atomic systems for future standards of time and frequency, for the calibration of International Atomic Time, and for probing fundamental physical theories through precision optical frequency measurements. As the Optical Clock Research Physicist, you will: Research and develop optical atomic clocks and advanced optical timescales, innovating methods to enhance system performance metrics and precision timekeeping. Conduct complex time-and-frequency metrology measurements and experimental campaigns using optical frequency standards, quantum control techniques, and advanced laser systems. Author and contribute to peer-reviewed scientific literature, presenting research discoveries on optical clocks and timescale operations at conferences and with external collaborators.

Qualifications

BASIC 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, and sound. IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, you must also meet one of the following requirements: 1. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as: Experience assisting with the development and operation of optical clocks, including assisting with laser cooling and optical trapping of alkaline earth elements. 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

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.