Summary

NIST is seeking a Quantum Network Research Physicist to advance the future of quantum networking and secure communications. Conduct research that supports the development of quantum measurement methods, networking technologies, and standards that enable reliable quantum information transfer and accelerate innovation across industry. 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 role, you will:

- Plan, develop and perform research on quantum networks, quantum information, metrology, and optics.

- Perform calibrations of single-photon sources and detectors, develop uncertainty analyses, and develop novel devices and methods for optical quantum communication.

- Develop laboratory experiments for the purpose of long-distance transmission of quantum states, develop methods for quantum network telemetry and metrology, develop trace-driven simulations for quantum entanglement distribution and measurement, and develop other quantum communication standards.

- Document results via reports, publications, standards organizations participation, and conference presentations.

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
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

A. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.

OR

B. 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 A or B 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.

AND

In addition to the basic qualifications above, applicants must possess one of the following to qualify:

A. One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level (ZP-II at NIST).

Specialized experience is defined as conducting experimental laboratory research involving the design, execution, and analysis of quantum or optical experiments, applying advanced measurement techniques and computer programming to characterize physical systems and interpret experimental results.

OR

B. Master's or equivalent graduate degree

OR

C. Combination of education and 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 trial period may be required.
• The position may be non-competitively converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition.
• The trial period is for the duration of the term appointment.
• The term may be extended for up to 6-years.

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.