Chief, Time & Frequency Division

About the role

PML's Time and Frequency Division seeks a Chief to provide strategic direction and technical management for U.S. official time standards and metrology research. Leading a high-level team, you will drive collaborative programs, influence agency priorities, and secure resources with key stakeholders to advance NIST's mission on an international scale.

Responsibilities

• Establish long-term technical goals and milestones for the organizational unit, ensuring they align with the broader missions of NIST.
• Advise and influence executive leadership in adopting calculated approaches to complex scientific research and program direction.
• Resolve complex, high-stakes disputes within the institution or scientific community to protect critical agency objectives.
• Identify, cultivate, and develop organizational capabilities and talent.
• Promote a strong program of service activities in time and frequency metrology.
• Ensure that technical achievements receive significant international recognition, enhancing the integrity of the scientific field.

Qualifications

• BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
• A degree in physics; or a related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics; OR
• A 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-14 level (ZP-IV at NIST).
• Specialized experience is defined as ALL of the following:
• Experience directing and managing projects to ensure adherence to established standards for frequency and time intervals.
• Experience overseeing research in advanced time and frequency metrology.
• Experience providing guidance to senior management and key stakeholders on complex or controversial scientific methods and program directions, and leading high-level programs that involve collaboration with external organizations.