Senior Atomic Clock Research Physicist

National Institute of Standards and Technology; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, CO, invites applications for a Senior Atomic Clock Research Physicist to lead research on chip-scale optical clocks, micro-fabricated frequency references, and compact atomic sensor technologies.

The position requires a physics degree with 24 physics hours and a minimum one year of specialized experience at GS-12 level or equivalent, including photonic systems and atomic clock measurements.

Qualifications

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

Skills

Photonic systems

Atomic clock measurements

Microwave technology

Education

Physics degree with 24 physics hours

Job description

NIST's Time & Frequency Division is hiring a Senior Atomic Clock Research Physicist to lead cutting-edge research on chip-scale optical clocks, micro-fabricated 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.

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