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 The mission of the Applied Physics Division is to advance measurement science and technology in areas of critical importance to national priority needs, such as, advanced manufacturing, national security, quantum communications, strategic computing, and quantitative imaging. The Sources and Detectors Group, part of the Physical Measurements Laboratory, provides laser power and energy calibration services to the US and other parts of the world - ranging from single photons to 100 kW. Our research is related to new sources and detectors to support US industry, quantum communications, manufacturing, and defense. We undertake device development related to optical and thermal radiation detectors for laboratory and space-based applications, as well as absolute radiometers based on photon momentum and traceability to the kilogram. The group also leads the world in carbon-nanotube based coatings for a variety of detector platforms for earth and space radiometry. As a new Physicist on our team you will: Contribute to the design, implementation, and characterization of a blackbody source developed to test far-infrared spectrometers for space-based applications Perform laboratory measurements of low reflectance materials using FTIR and far-infrared lasers to provide calibration traceability for satellite-based radiometric measurements Perform laboratory testing and development of cooled, absolute microbolometer arrays Work in a team environment and build collaborations both within and outside of NIST Effectively communicate research and measurement results through publications and presentations at national and international conferences Contribute to a safe laboratory work environment Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Individual Occupational Requirements 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 addition to the basic requirements, applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as having detailed knowledge of experimental optical radiometry and precision metrology and experience working in an advanced radiometry physics laboratory. Applicants must have experience with an advanced experimental program involving one or more of the following: FTIR measurements; infrared laser systems; miniaturized blackbody source characterization; micro-DRIFTS measurements of very low reflectance materials. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree as defined in the basic requirements. OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as defined in the additional requirements. 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. 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 an accredited organization 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 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 four years without further competition. We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. 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