Lead Research Physicist, Photonic Integrated Circuits

Summary Welcome to the Applied Physics Division! The mission of the Applied Physics Division is to advance measurement science and technology in areas of critical importance to national priority needs, such as, advanced manufacturing, national security, quantum communications, strategic computing, and quantitative imaging! We're looking for a Lead Research Physicist, Photonic Integrated Circuits to join our team! Duties The Quantum Nanophotonics Group, part of the Physical Measurements Laboratory, focuses on developing novel, nanofabricated, photonic devices with an emphasis on problems in quantum information and the limits of measurement. Our approach utilizes tools and methodologies borrowed from several disparate fields, including III-V compound semiconductors, quantum optics, microwave engineering, and cryogenics, producing results that have broad relevance to the quantum information science community. As the new Lead Research Physicist, Photonic Integrated Circuits on our team you will: Lead a team that designs, fabricates, and tests novel compound semiconductor photonic integrated circuits. Develop III-V lasers heterogeneously integrated with low-loss passive circuits for applications in quantum information and state-of-the-art sensors. Present research in scientific journals and interact with program managers. Be responsible for running and maintaining a precision spectroscopy laboratory. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. citizenship Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment Bargaining Unit Position: No Qualifications All applicants must submit a resume NOT TO EXCEED two pages on standard-size paper. If the resume exceeds two pages, only the first two pages will be reviewed for qualifications or assessment determinations. 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-12 (ZP-III at NIST) level. Specialized Experience is defined as experience in carrying out research in the field photonic integrated circuits (PICs), with specific emphasis on active devices and heterogenous integration. Examples of research topics may include, but are not limited to, I-V characterization, optical measurement of PICs, laser noise characterization, PIC circuit design, cleanroom fabrication, and quantum measurement and computing. 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 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 before a final offer of employment. Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position. 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. Additional information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 3-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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: Flexible work schedules Paid parental leave Paid vacation Sick leave Family-friendly leave Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families Back-up child care program Child and elder-care resources On-site childcare center Lactation spaces Wellness programs Fitness center Employee assistance programs Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.