NIST's Time & Frequency Division is hiring an Optical Clock Research Physicist to develop optical lattice clocks for advanced timekeeping applications. We need a talented and ambitious physicist to lead project development, working with a team of experts to advance state of the art performance.
This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
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 for an Optical Clock Research Physicist within the Neutral Atom Optical Clocks Group, which performs research on ultracold atomic systems for future standards of time and frequency, for the calibration of International Atomic Time, and for probing fundamental physical theories through precision optical frequency measurements.
As the Optical Clock Research Physicist, you will:
- Research and develop optical atomic clocks including advancing performance metrics of these clock systems and exploring transportable systems for precision timekeeping applications.
- Innovate new approaches to optical clock operation and performance advancements.
- Lead and contribute to scientific literature on optical clock systems and operation of advanced optical timescales.
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:
- experience with the development of optical lattice clocks, including evaluation of systematic uncertainties of optical clocks and laser cooling of alkaline earth elements.
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.