Quantum Physicist

Summary

NIST's Atom Scale Device Group seeks a Physicist to develop quantum computing and simulations for many-body effects in solid-state devices. You will simulate transport, build NISQ tools, and lead complex research. This role involves analyzing device output and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to impact quantum information goals.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Learn more about this agency

Duties

Help

The mission of NIST's Nanoscale Device Characterization Division is to develop and advance the measurement and knowledge infrastructure to characterize nano- and atom-scale engineered materials and solid-state devices for innovation in information processing, sensing, and future quantum technologies.

If hired as a Quantum Physicist in their Atom Scale Device Group, you will:

• Create and apply advanced quantum computing and simulation techniques to analyze many-body effects in atom-based solid-state devices.
• Investigate and model spin and electronic transport within quantum dot lattices, specifically those based on phosphorus-doped silicon.
• Design and implement tools to execute complex physics simulations on noisy intermediate-scale quantum computing platforms.
• Evaluate the output of quantum devices and apply theoretical principles to advance the broader goals of the quantum information program.

Requirements

Help

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:

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 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
  • sound

In addition to the basic requirements, you must also meet one of the following requirements:

1. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as:

• Experience doing quantum computing simulation of many-body systems
• Experience with dopant-based systems

OR

2. Master's or equivalent graduate degree

OR

3. A combination of graduate education and specialized 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.
• This appointment may be extended up to four years 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.

Expand Hide additional information

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

Help

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.

Review our benefits

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.