Atomic Clock Research Physicist

About the role

NIST's Time & Frequency Division is hiring an Atomic Clock Research Physicist to develop and improve atomic frequency standards, advance microwave and optical clock technologies, and contribute to the UTC(NIST) atomic clock timescale.

Duties

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 in PML's Time Realization and Distribution Group, which operates an ensemble of commercial atomic clocks and purpose-built atomic frequency standards to provide the U.S. with official sources of time or frequency.

If hired as the Atomic Clock Research Physicist, you will:

• Work closely with world-renowned experts in atomic timekeeping and application of precision time signals.
• Be a key contributor developing, improving, and maintaining both experimental and theoretical activities in microwave and optical atomic clocks and the UTC(NIST) atomic clock timescale.
• Plan and carry out difficult and complex assignments pertaining to the development and maintenance of accurate primary and secondary frequency references based on atomic physics.

Requirements

If you apply, please make sure your resume/CV clearly demonstrates the relevant experience described below, particularly the requirements outlined under Basic and Additional Requirements. These include transcript requirements.

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 case, 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.

Additional Requirements

You must also meet one of the following:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience in the laser cooling or trapping of atoms, molecules, or ions; OR
• Master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR
• A combination of graduate education and specialized experience.

Experience credit

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.