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. Responsibilities Welcome to the Sensor Science Division (SSD) in NIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory! Our Mission is to foster the next generation of SI-traceable dimensional, thermodynamic, and optical radiation measurements and their application by providing calibrations, standards, and innovations that improve U.S. industrial competitiveness and quality-of-life. As a new Physical Scientist on our team, you will: Perform research and develop theoretical approaches for diffraction and scattering from micro lithographically-produced structures in the vacuum ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet spectral regions. Assess sensitivity of polarimetric vacuum ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet measurements to the dimensional parameters and material properties of these structures. Develop computer codes to fit dimensional parameters and material properties of these structures to measured data. Perform simulations of the effects of material inhomogeneity and surface roughness on data. Advance the knowledge of the optical properties of materials in the vacuum ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Individual Occupational Requirements Basic Requirements: 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 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, applicants must also have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level. Specialized Experience is defined as experience with electromagnetic simulation methods such as finite-difference time-domain (FDTD), finite element (FE), or rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) of nanostructures; experience with semiconductor band structure calculations; AND experience with material characterization using optical spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and diffractometry. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree as defined in the basic requirements. OR A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as defined in the additional requirements. 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! Your application package may be shared with other selecting officials at NIST for similar opportunities and additional selections may be made from 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 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 Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families Child and elder-care resources On-site childcare center Lactation spaces Wellness programs Fitness center Employee assistance programs