Quantum Physicist

Summary

NIST's Nanoscale Spectroscopy Group is hiring a talented and ambitious Quantum Physicist to develop innovative measurement platforms using custom quantum probes. Working with leading experts, you will fabricate advanced cryogenic microscopes to characterize fragile quantum systems and publish breakthrough results in open literature. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

The mission of NIST's Nanoscale Device Characterization Division is to develop and advance the measurement and knowledge infrastructure to characterize nano- and atom-scale engineered materials and solid-state devices for innovation in information processing, sensing, and future quantum technologies. This position is in the Nanoscale Spectroscopy Group, which harnesses light‑matter interactions for nanoscale metrology of materials and devices in critical and emerging technologies by applying expertise in scanned‑probe spectroscopy, optical techniques, and device physics to support advancements in semiconductor electronics, quantum sensing, and quantum information science.

As a Quantum Physicist for this group, you will:

• Design and implement innovative research solutions for new measurement platforms that use custom quantum probes and sensors tailored for quantum materials and solid‑state quantum information systems.
• Fabricate scanning single‑electron transistor electrometers, scanning RF‑SQUID magnetometers, and superconducting resonators for multiprobe scanning cryogenic microscopes.
• Research, interpret, and apply technical guidelines to isolate and define critical features of nanoscale electronic and magnetic properties.
• Lead efforts impacting major projects related to characterizing fragile quantum systems, and communicate findings persuasively through open literature publications and technical talks.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics; OR 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 1 or 2 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, you must also meet one of the following requirements:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑9 (ZP‑II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as:
  Experience designing advanced wafer‑scale silicon architectures for custom quantum probes; experience creating mesoscale sensors within a multiprobe architecture—e.g., scanning single‑electron transistor sensors, scanning superconducting quantum interference devices, high‑kinetic‑inductance superconducting resonators, or custom quartz piezoelectric tuning forks for atomic force microscopy; experience working with dilution refrigerators, including designing wiring for low‑noise and RF measurement applications.
• Master's or equivalent graduate degree.
• A combination of graduate education and specialized experience.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) 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.