What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quantum Communications Program Director position at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)?
Summary
NIST is seeking a Quantum Communications Program Director to provide strategic leadership for a nationally significant quantum communications research portfolio. The employee will lead technical programs, guide long-term priorities, build partnerships, and advise senior leadership to advance innovation, standards, and technology transfer. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
Duties
In this position, you will: - Lead and manage the Quantum Communications Division's research portfolio, establishing technical priorities, allocating resources, and guiding long-term strategic direction. - Direct research and development efforts related to advanced quantum communication systems, including theoretical frameworks, protocols, metrology, standards, and transduction interconnects. - Oversee the development, operation, and advancement of quantum-networking testbeds and related research infrastructure. - Promote commercialization, technology transfer, and stakeholder engagement to expand the impact and adoption of quantum communications technologies. - Serve as a recognized expert and advocate for quantum communications theory, metrology, and standards development within the scientific community and across government, industry, and academia. - Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to support mission objectives and advance research initiatives. - Collaborate with the Communications Technology Laboratory Leadership Team to achieve organizational priorities and strengthen laboratory-wide initiatives. - Advise senior leadership on complex technical, strategic, and organizational matters, including negotiating and resolving significant issues affecting programs and operations. - Foster a culture that reflects NIST values, including scientific excellence, collaboration, integrity, and innovation.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements: A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the above basic requirement, this position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 (ZP-4 at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as: - Leadership in pioneering research in quantum communications or technologies, including defining technical directions and managing complex projects. - Experience engaging with stakeholders to foster partnerships and advising senior management on strategic issues. - Supervision of technical teams and dissemination of impactful research findings through publications and presentations 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
NIST is seeking a Quantum Communications Program Director to provide strategic leadership for a nationally significant quantum communications research portfolio. The employee will lead technical programs, guide long-term priorities, build partnerships, and advise senior leadership to advance innovation, standards, and technology transfer. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
Duties
In this position, you will: - Lead and manage the Quantum Communications Division's research portfolio, establishing technical priorities, allocating resources, and guiding long-term strategic direction. - Direct research and development efforts related to advanced quantum communication systems, including theoretical frameworks, protocols, metrology, standards, and transduction interconnects. - Oversee the development, operation, and advancement of quantum-networking testbeds and related research infrastructure. - Promote commercialization, technology transfer, and stakeholder engagement to expand the impact and adoption of quantum communications technologies. - Serve as a recognized expert and advocate for quantum communications theory, metrology, and standards development within the scientific community and across government, industry, and academia. - Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to support mission objectives and advance research initiatives. - Collaborate with the Communications Technology Laboratory Leadership Team to achieve organizational priorities and strengthen laboratory-wide initiatives. - Advise senior leadership on complex technical, strategic, and organizational matters, including negotiating and resolving significant issues affecting programs and operations. - Foster a culture that reflects NIST values, including scientific excellence, collaboration, integrity, and innovation.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements: A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the above basic requirement, this position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 (ZP-4 at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as: - Leadership in pioneering research in quantum communications or technologies, including defining technical directions and managing complex projects. - Experience engaging with stakeholders to foster partnerships and advising senior management on strategic issues. - Supervision of technical teams and dissemination of impactful research findings through publications and presentations 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