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Physicist

Department of Commerce
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Materials Measurement Science Division
This job announcement has closed

Summary

NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Physicist to join our team!

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

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
03/17/2023 to 03/23/2023
Salary
$78,592 to - $122,459 per year
Pay scale & grade
ZP 3
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Gaithersburg, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation Description text displayed on the Announcement Text page.
Appointment type
Term - 2 years may be extended up to four years without further competition
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
3
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
MML-643-23-11888158
Control number
713280200

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates (this includes Merit Promotion, Status Candidates, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VRA, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled, EVHO, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Interchange Agreement Eligibles, and National Guard).

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Duties

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Develop and utilize x-ray synchrotron radiation Near-Edge X-Ray absorption fine spectroscopy (NEXAFS), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) for the study of the atomic, molecular and electronic structure of advanced materials at surfaces, interfaces and thin films.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. citizenship
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment

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.

IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, APPLICANTS MUST ALSO HAVE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level (ZP-II at NIST).

Specialized experience is defined as experience utilizing:

  • X-ray synchrotron radiation
  • Near-Edge X-Ray absorption fine spectroscopy (NEXAFS),
  • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
  • Extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS)
  • X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS).
OR

Master's or equivalent graduate degree

OR

An equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate education.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

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 prior to a final offer of employment.

Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization 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 a course by course listing) is required with your application.

Additional information

This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). The APMS is a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Find out more about the APMS here!

A trial period may be required.

This appointment may be extended up to four years without further competition.

We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.

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:

  • Telework
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid vacation
  • Sick leave
  • Family-friendly leave
  • Child and elder-care resources
  • On-site childcare center
  • Lactation spaces
  • Wellness programs
  • Fitness center
  • Employee assistance programs

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documents to assess your qualifications for this position.

All applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are not rated and ranked and veteran's preference does not apply.

CTAP and ICTAP Eligibility: To be eligible for CTAP or ICTAP consideration, you must submit the required documents to establish eligibility (see required documents) and meet the minimum qualification requirements. You may be contacted to provide a response to assessment questions related to the position. To be considered CTAP or ICTAP eligible, you must receive a well-qualified score of at least 85 of out 100 on your assessment responses. Additional information may be found at: CTAP/ICTAP.

Resume Guidance
Evaluation Process

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