Physicist

Summary

NIST is seeking a Physicist to advance microwave noise and semiconductor measurement science. This role develops high-precision calibration methods and standards that underpin reliable electronics performance, strengthening national metrology capabilities, supporting industry innovation, and informing international standards critical to emerging technologies.

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Duties

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Under the direction of senior staff, the employee will support the execution and enhancement of noise calibration services and transistor noise measurement initiatives. Primary responsibilities include:

- Performing systematic measurements on low-noise components and semiconductor devices, with a specific focus on on-wafer microwave noise characterization and precision calibration workflows.

- Applying digital signal processing and uncertainty analysis to spectral data, ensuring the high-fidelity results required for formal metrology standards.

- Maintaining complex microwave measurement systems and contributing to technical documentation, publications, and conference materials to disseminate research findings to the broader transistor industry and metrology communities.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

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:

- Experimental laboratory experience with microwave noise and power measurements

- Experimental laboratory experience with electromagnetic field sensors

- Experimental laboratory experience with radio-frequency electronics

- Experience with computer programming for data acquisition, analysis, and motion control

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

Education

This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.

Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application.

Additional information

This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!

• We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
• Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
• You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
• All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.

• A trial period may be required. The trial period is the length of the term appointment.
• The initial appointment will be for 2 years.
• This appointment may be extended up to six years without further competition.
• The appointee may be converted to a permanent career or career conditional appointment without further competition

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.