Summary

NIST is seeking a Quantum Communications Program Director to provide strategic leadership for a nationally significant quantum communications research portfolio. The employee will lead technical programs, guide long-term priorities, build partnerships, and advise senior leadership to advance innovation, standards, and technology transfer.

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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In this position, you will:

- Lead and manage the Quantum Communications Division's research portfolio, establishing technical priorities, allocating resources, and guiding long-term strategic direction.

- Direct research and development efforts related to advanced quantum communication systems, including theoretical frameworks, protocols, metrology, standards, and transduction interconnects.

- Oversee the development, operation, and advancement of quantum-networking testbeds and related research infrastructure.

- Promote commercialization, technology transfer, and stakeholder engagement to expand the impact and adoption of quantum communications technologies.

- Serve as a recognized expert and advocate for quantum communications theory, metrology, and standards development within the scientific community and across government, industry, and academia.

- Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to support mission objectives and advance research initiatives.

- Collaborate with the Communications Technology Laboratory Leadership Team to achieve organizational priorities and strengthen laboratory-wide initiatives.

- Advise senior leadership on complex technical, strategic, and organizational matters, including negotiating and resolving significant issues affecting programs and operations.

- Foster a culture that reflects NIST values, including scientific excellence, collaboration, integrity, and innovation.

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
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to the above basic requirement, this position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 (ZP-4 at NIST) level.

Specialized experience is defined as:

- Leadership in pioneering research in quantum communications or technologies, including defining technical directions and managing complex projects.

- Experience engaging with stakeholders to foster partnerships and advising senior management on strategic issues.

- Supervision of technical teams and dissemination of impactful research findings through publications and presentations

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.