Senior Atomic Clock Research Physicist

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites applications for a Senior Atomic Clock Research Physicist in the Time & Frequency Division. The role focuses on leading research in chip-scale optical clocks, microfabricated frequency references, and compact atomic sensor technologies.

You will work within NIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory, in the Atomic Devices and Instrumentation Group, developing compact, low-power quantum sensors using precision spectroscopy and

Qualifications

• Degree in physics or related field with at least 24 semester hours in physics.
• Courses must include general physics and any two of electricity & magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, or sound.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent fundamental research on chip-scale optical clocks and micro-fabricated optical frequency references.
• Research atomic vapors, photonics, and microfabricated vapor cells with photonic waveguides.
• Use insight to advance chip-scale devices based on photonics and atomic ensembles.

Education

Physics degree with 24 semester hours in physics

Job description

Summary

NIST's Time & Frequency Division is hiring a Senior Atomic Clock Research Physicist to lead cutting-edge research on chip-scale optical clocks, microfabricated frequency references, and compact atomic sensor technologies. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

NIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) sets the definitive U.S. standards for nearly every kind of measurement employed in commerce and research, spanning more than 20 orders of magnitude. This position is in PML's Atomic Devices and Instrumentation Group, which develops compact, low power quantum sensors using a combination of precision atomic spectroscopy, silicon micromachining, and photonics.

As the Senior Atomic Clock Research Physicist, you will:

• Lead and perform independent fundamental research on development of chip-scale optical clocks and micro-fabricated optical frequency references.
• Perform research involving atomic vapors, photonics, microfabricated vapor cells with photonic waveguides.
• Use a high degree of insight and ingenuity in leading laboratory activities to advance chip-scale devices based on photonic systems and atomic ensembles.

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, and sound.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must possess one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST.)
• Specialized experience is defined as ALL of the following: Experience in photonic systems.
• Experience in atomic clock measurements.
• Experience with microwave technology and systems.
• 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