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.

Duties

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

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