Summary NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Physicist to join our team! This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. Responsibilities If hired at the ZP-III level, you will: carry out research on protocols for quantum information processing, quantum sensing, and optical frequency metrology with trapped atomic ions work in a team environment and supervise students effectively communicate research and measurement results through publications and presentations at national and international conferences If hired at the ZP-IV level, you will: lead the development of protocols for quantum information processing, quantum sensing, and optical frequency metrology with trapped atomic ions work in a team environment, supervise students and postdocs, and build collaborations both within and outside of NIST identify opportunities in trapped ion quantum information processing and metrology and develop plans to address those opportunities effectively communicate research and measurement results through publications and presentations at national and international conferences Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Basic Requirements, ZP-III: 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, and sound. In addition to the basic requirements, you must also meet the following requirements: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as detailed knowledge of experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics and experience working in an advanced atomic physics laboratory. Experience with one or more of the following systems: ultra-high vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, laser systems, high voltage systems and experimental control systems are required. or Master's or equivalent graduate degree or A combination of graduate education and specialized experience. ZP-IV: In addition to the above basic requirements: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized Experience is defined as having detailed knowledge of experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics and experience working in an advanced atomic physics laboratory. The individual should have experience in the design, conduct and leadership of an advanced experimental program involving one or more of the following systems: ultra-high vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, laser systems, high voltage systems and experimental control systems. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application. 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 prior to a final offer of employment. Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization 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 a course by course listing) is required with your application. Additional Information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). The APMS is a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Find out 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 in order to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A probationary period may be required. We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. 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 Child and elder-care resources On-site childcare center Lactation spaces Wellness programs Fitness center Employee assistance programs