Physicist

Summary NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Physicist to join our team. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. Responsibilities NIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) sets the definitive U.S. standards for nearly every kind of measurement employed in commerce and research, sometimes across more than 20 orders of magnitude. This position is in PML's Quantum Sensors Division, whose mission is to provide the metrological foundation for emerging electronic, magnetic, and photonic technologies by developing high-precision measurement devices, systems, standards, and methodologies and applying them to address national needs. If hired as a Physicist for the Quantum Sensors Division, you will: Lead the operation of novel x-ray tomography instrumentation and integration of new system components, including sample motion stage, x-ray detectors, and electron focusing column, and manage the project timeline, ensuring that all project deliverables and milestones are achieved on schedule. Guide instrument design decisions to enable nanoscale x-ray imaging of nanoelectronics samples, and mentor postdoctoral and other early career researchers on the CHIPS project team and elsewhere in the Quantum Sensors Division. Collect and analyze x-ray data from commercial x-ray detectors and NIST-developed transition-edge sensor (TES) spectrometers to be used in tomographic reconstruction algorithms. Assist in the design of experimental imaging scanning plans for nanoelectronics samples. Communicate and collaborate with CHIPS metrology team members, other NIST teams, and external partners. Present and publish results as appropriate. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Basic Requirements: Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics. or 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 In addition to the basic requirements, you must also meet 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 with novel, non-commercial x-ray nanotomography instrumentation Experience with semiconductor metrology, particularly 3-dimensional imaging of nanoelectronics Experience in scientific programming, for example python Experience working with cryogenic, superconducting detectors, specifically transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters Experience with scanning electron microscope (SEM) operation 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. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. For application tips, please refer to this site: Application Tips 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 prior to a final offer of employment. Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view more information about this from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course-by-course listing) is required with your application. Additional Information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). The APMS is a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Find out more about the APMS here. Your application package may be shared with other selecting officials at NIST for similar opportunities and additional selections may be made from this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible in order to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A trial period may be required. This appointment may be extended up to six years without further competition. 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 such as: Telework Flexible work schedules Paid parental leave Paid vacation Sick leave Family-friendly leave Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families Child and elder-care resources On-site childcare center Lactation spaces Wellness programs Fitness center Employee assistance programs