Summary

PML's Time and Frequency Division seeks a Chief to provide strategic direction and technical management for U.S. official time standards and metrology research. Leading a high-level team, you will drive collaborative programs, influence agency priorities, and secure resources with key stakeholders to advance NIST's mission on an international scale.

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) is the nation's authority on measurement, setting definitive standards across a staggering 20 orders of magnitude. We are currently seeking a skilled professional to join our prestigious Time and Frequency Division. This division holds the vital responsibility of maintaining the official standard for frequency and time intervals for the United States.

If you are hired for this role, you will:

• Establish long-term technical goals and milestones for the organizational unit, ensuring they align with the broader missions of NIST.
• Advise and influence executive leadership in adopting calculated approaches to complex scientific research and program direction.
• Resolve complex, high-stakes disputes within the institution or scientific community to protect critical agency objectives. Identify, cultivate, and develop organizational capabilities and talent.
• Promote a strong program of service activities in time and frequency metrology.
• Ensure that technical achievements receive significant international recognition, enhancing the integrity of the scientific field.

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
• Completion of Confidential Financial Disclosure, Form OGE-450
• 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, 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-14 level (ZP-IV at NIST.) Specialized experience is defined as ALL of the following:

• Experience directing and managing projects to ensure adherence to established standards for frequency and time intervals. AND
• Experience overseeing research in advanced time and frequency metrology. AND
• Experience providing guidance to senior management and key stakeholders on complex or controversial scientific methods and program directions, and leading high-level programs that involve collaboration with external organizations.

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 supervisory 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.