Metrologist

Welcome to the Sensor Science Division in NIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory. Our Vision is to be the primary driver of innovation in SI-traceable measurements for dimensional, thermodynamic, optical radiation, and fluid flow.

We are looking for a Metrologist to lead research and development in the fields of photometry, colorimetry, and radiometry.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Qualifications:

Individual Occupational Requirements

Basic Requirements:

1. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.

OR

2. 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 A or B 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, applicants must also have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as conducting high-accuracy photometric and radiometric measurements and calibrations; applying traceability and measurement uncertainty principles; and developing measurement support tools using programming languages LabVIEW/Python.

OR

Master's or equivalent graduate degree as defined in the basic requirements.

OR

A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as defined in the additional requirements.

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

Responsibilities:

As a Metrologist you will:

• Lead research and development in the fields of photometry, colorimetry, and radiometry, supporting the realization and dissemination of photometric scales (candela, lumen, and related quantities).
• Conduct calibrations using photometers, integrating spheres, luminance meters, and spectroradiometers.
• Apply expertise in measurement uncertainty to improve traceability, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with national and international standards.
• Develop new or improved measurement methodologies and create data acquisition and analysis programs using LabVIEW/Python to support accurate measurements.
• Lead major laboratory equipment upgrades, including planning, integration, testing, and commissioning of new systems.

Salary : $85,447