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Physical Scientist

Department of Commerce
National Institute of Standards and Technology
CHIPS Semiconductor Metrology and Characterization Office
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 Physical Scientist 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
09/19/2023 to 10/09/2023
Salary
$109,107 to - $183,500 per year
Pay scale & grade
ZP 4 - 5
Locations
3 vacancies in the following locations:
Boulder, CO
Gaithersburg, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - Travel to meetings and conferences as requested.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
5
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CHIPS-305-23-12126162
Control number
749823800

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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  • Serve as a program manager of the CHIPS R&D program, leading and providing strategic oversight for metrology research portfolios, serving as subject matter expert
  • Manage complex projects related to measurement science for semiconductors and related technologies
  • Analyze complex technical problems to make strategic decisions
  • Determine key performance indicators, assess risk, and ensure long-term programmatic success
  • Lead significant contributions to metrology and semiconductor technologies, influencing industry standards and driving organizational and industry advancements
  • Serve as subject matter expert for any grants, communities of practices, and/or prize challenges related to research portfolios.
  • Assist with budget development and make risk-informed decisions
  • Convene stakeholders inside and outside the CHIPS R&D program, including academia, non-profits, industry associations, and small businesses to advance the CHIPS R&D program.

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
  • Completion of Confidential Financial Disclosure, Form OGE-450
  • Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

  1. 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-

  2. 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 BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

ZP-IV:
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 (ZP-III at NIST) level.
Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Serving as a technical lead or project manager on projects related to measurement science.
  • Coordinating and communicating effectively with various stakeholders, both internal and external, to ensure alignment and collaboration on project goals and objectives.
  • Experience conducting research for the semiconductor industry, including areas such as semiconductor materials, microelectronics manufacturing, semiconductor designs, advanced packaging or security of microelectronic-based components/products.
ZP-V:
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 (ZP-IV at NIST) level.
Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Managing technical projects including setting performance indicators and assessing risks, related to measurement science.
  • Leading and communicating effectively with various stakeholders, both internal and external, introducing innovative methods or technologies to ensure successful outcomes on project goals and objectives.
  • Leading efforts to create and implement metrology solutions for the semiconductor industry, including areas such as semiconductor materials, microelectronics manufacturing, semiconductor designs, advanced packaging or security of microelectronic-based components/products.
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!

  • 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.
  • Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
  • All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible in order to make qualification or eligibility determinations.
  • A probationary period may be required.
  • This position requires the filing of an OGE-450 Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of onboarding and annually thereafter.
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
  • Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families
  • 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. Please be sure that your resume and supporting documents include detailed information to support your qualifications for this position. Failure to provide sufficient and/or legible evidence in your resume or supporting documents may result in a "not qualified" determination. You MUST also selected at least ONE eligibility (i.e., how you wish to be considered) in order to receive consideration for this position.

REFERRAL
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 or ICTAP eligibility: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must be determined eligible and rated as well-qualified to receive special selection priority. "Well Qualified" means that in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective placement factor(s), if applicable, you must receive a score of 85 or higher. Please review the following site regarding required documents to support CTAP or ICTAP eligibility and additional information regarding this authority - CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility

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