Quantum Physicist

About the company

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: Develop and apply scanning tunneling microscopy methods to fabricate atom-scale solid-state quantum devices for evaluation in quantum computing and simulation. Conduct low-temperature electrical and physical measurements to evaluate and characterize the behavior and performance of fabricated quantum devices. Design and refine specialized tools, methodologies, and experimental protocols to optimize device fabrication yield, reproducibility, and operational performance. Research, interpret, and apply scientific literature precedents and guiding physical principles to analyze device data and resolve complex technical obstacles. Plan and execute complex experimental tasks with limited supervision, collaborating within a multidisciplinary team to advance major goals in quantum information science.

Your tasks

NIST's Atom Scale Device Group seeks a Physicist to develop and apply scanning tunneling methods to fabricate atom-scale solid-state quantum devices, conduct low-temperature measurements, and optimize protocols and device performance for quantum computing and simulation. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

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 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 with scanning tunneling metrology Experience with low-temperature measurements of quantum materials 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

How to apply

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.