Physicist

Full Job Description

The Communications Technology Labritory is seeking a physicist to lead research on quantum-based Josephson voltage sources for microwave metrology, establishing traceable SI links with minimal uncertainty and developing advanced RF measurement capabilities.

The incumbent designs superconductive circuits, conducts cryogenic experimentation, mentors staff, and collaborates broadly to advance NIST's mission-critical quantum research and measurement infrastructure.

All applicants must submit a resume NOT TO EXCEED two pages on standard-size paper.

If the resume exceeds two pages, only the first two pages will be reviewed for qualifications or assessment determinations. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: A.

Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics. OR B.

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 A or B 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.

AND In addition to the basic qualifications above, applicants must possess one of the following to qualify: A.

One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level (ZP-II at NIST).

Specialized experience is defined as: - Experience in precision RF measurement of superconducting circuits, radio frequency (RF)/microwave signals, circuit design and modeling.

- Experience working with stakeholders and interfacing between the scientific community and other agency funding sources. - Experience publishing and presenting technical information. OR B.

Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR C.

Combination of education and experience 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 Major Duties:

In this position, you will: - Plan, develop, and perform research on quantum-based Josephson voltage sources related to microwave metrology.

- Establish traceable links from the SI to microwave measurements with minimal uncertainty and developing RF measurement services and Standard Reference Instruments that use quantum-based sources.

- Design superconductive circuits for realizing both the quantum-based sources and the calibration devices needed to tie these to laboratory measurements.

- Invent and refine techniques to minimize uncertainty in the use of quantum-based sources to perform microwave measurements.

- Create project plans, design experiments, improve test infrastructure, and perform cryogenic testing to characterize circuit performance.

- Train and mentor staff and graduate students in these duties.

- Document research progress and results; communicate and collaborate with NIST researchers as well as with industry, academic, and other non-NIST government researchers to advance NIST mission-critical quantum research and development.

- Write proposals for internal and external funding sources; present results at NIST internal meetings as well as at domestic and international technical conferences; and publish technical research results and best practices.