Summary

NIST'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.

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, 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.

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
• Designated and/or random drug testing required
• 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
  • 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

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.