Summary

NIST's Nanoscale Spectroscopy Group is hiring a talented and ambitious Quantum Physicist to develop innovative measurement platforms using custom quantum probes. Working with leading experts, you will fabricate advanced cryogenic microscopes to characterize fragile quantum systems and publish breakthrough results in open literature.

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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The mission of NIST's Nanoscale Device Characterization Division is to develop and advance the measurement and knowledge infrastructure to characterize nano- and atom-scale engineered materials and solid-state devices for innovation in information processing, sensing, and future quantum technologies. This position is in the Nanoscale Spectroscopy Group, which harnesses light-matter interactions for nanoscale metrology of materials and devices in critical and emerging technologies by applying expertise in scanned-probe spectroscopy, optical techniques, and device physics to support advancements in semiconductor electronics, quantum sensing, and quantum information science.

As a Quantum Physicist for this group, you will:

• Design and implement innovative research solutions for new measurement platforms that use custom quantum probes and sensors tailored for quantum materials and solid-state quantum information systems.
• Fabricate scanning single-electron transistor electrometers, scanning RF-SQUID magnetometers, and superconducting resonators for multiprobe scanning cryogenic microscopes.
• Research, interpret, and apply technical guidelines to isolate and define critical features of nanoscale electronic and magnetic properties.
• Lead efforts impacting major projects related to characterizing fragile quantum systems, and communicate findings persuasively through open literature publications and technical talks.

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

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.

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 designing advanced wafer-scale silicon architectures for custom quantum probes.
• Experience creating mesoscale sensors within a multiprobe architecture, for example scanning single-electron transistor sensors, scanning superconducting quantum interference devices, high-kinetic-inductance superconducting resonators, or custom quartz piezoelectric tuning forks for atomic force microscopy.
• Experience working with dilution refrigerators, including designing wiring for low-noise and RF measurement applications.

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.