Physicist

Summary DOC ranked top 5 in the 2023 Best Places to Work among large agencies for the 12th year in a row! This shows our continued commitment to increasing engagement & promoting diversity, equity, accessibility & inclusion. Join our team! NIST works with industry & science to advance innovation & improve quality of life. We're looking for a Physicist to join us! 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 Requirements 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: 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 sound In addition to the basic requirements, you must also meet the following requirements: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-12 (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as: experience working with cryogenic, superconducting detectors, specifically transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters. experience with design and operation of cryogenic x-ray spectrometers. experience collecting and analyzing x-ray data, particularly as it pertains to spectroscopy with x-ray microcalorimeters 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. 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. Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view more information about this from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a 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! Your application package may be shared with other selecting officials at NIST for similar opportunities and additional selections may be made from this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. 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 six 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 such as: Telework Flexible work schedules Paid parental leave Paid vacation Sick leave Family-friendly leave Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families Back-up child care program Child and elder-care resources On-site childcare center Lactation spaces Wellness programs Fitness center Employee assistance programs Read more Benefits 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 window Learn 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.