Physicist

NIST is seeking a Physicist to advance microwave noise and semiconductor measurement science. This role develops high-precision calibration methods and standards that underpin reliable electronics performance, strengthening national metrology capabilities, supporting industry innovation, and informing international standards critical to emerging technologies.

Qualifications:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

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

OR

B. 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.

AND

In addition to the basic qualifications above, applicants must possess one of the following to qualify:

A. One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level (ZP-II at NIST).

Specialized experience is defined as:
- Experimental laboratory experience with microwave noise and power measurements
- Experimental laboratory experience with electromagnetic field sensors
- Experimental laboratory experience with radio-frequency electronics
- Experience with computer programming for data acquisition, analysis, and motion control

OR

B. Master's or equivalent graduate degree

OR

C. Combination of education and 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

Responsibilities:

Under the direction of senior staff, the employee will support the execution and enhancement of noise calibration services and transistor noise measurement initiatives. Primary responsibilities include:

- Performing systematic measurements on low-noise components and semiconductor devices, with a specific focus on on-wafer microwave noise characterization and precision calibration workflows.

- Applying digital signal processing and uncertainty analysis to spectral data, ensuring the high-fidelity results required for formal metrology standards.

- Maintaining complex microwave measurement systems and contributing to technical documentation, publications, and conference materials to disseminate research findings to the broader transistor industry and metrology communities.

Salary : $83,265