Quantum Network Research Physicist
What you'd do
NIST is seeking a Quantum Network Research Physicist to advance the future of quantum networking and secure communications. Conduct research that supports the development of quantum measurement methods, networking technologies, and standards that enable reliable quantum information transfer and accelerate innovation across industry. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
Major duties
In this role, you will: - Plan, develop and perform research on quantum networks, quantum information, metrology, and optics. - Perform calibrations of single-photon sources and detectors, develop uncertainty analyses, and develop novel devices and methods for optical quantum communication. - Develop laboratory experiments for the purpose of long-distance transmission of quantum states, develop methods for quantum network telemetry and metrology, develop trace-driven simulations for quantum entanglement distribution and measurement, and develop other quantum communication standards. - Document results via reports, publications, standards organizations participation, and conference presentations.
What you need to qualify
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 conducting experimental laboratory research involving the design, execution, and analysis of quantum or optical experiments, applying advanced measurement techniques and computer programming to characterize physical systems and interpret experimental results. 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
Before you apply
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