NIST's Time & Frequency Division is hiring an Atomic Clock Research Physicist to develop and improve atomic frequency standards, advance microwave and optical clock technologies, and contribute to the UTC(NIST) atomic clock timescale. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.
NIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) sets the definitive U.S. standards for nearly every kind of measurement employed in commerce and research, spanning more than 20 orders of magnitude. This position is in PML's Time Realization and Distribution Group, which operates an ensemble of commercial atomic clocks and purpose-built atomic frequency standards to provide the U.S. with official sources of time or frequency.
If hired as the Atomic Clock Research Physicist, you will: Work closely with world-renowned experts in atomic timekeeping and application of precision time signals. Be a key contributor developing, improving, and maintaining both experimental and theoretical activities in microwave and optical atomic clocks and the UTC(NIST) atomic clock timescale.
Plan and carry out difficult and complex assignments pertaining to the development and maintenance of accurate primary and secondary frequency references based on atomic physics. If you apply, please make sure your resume/CV clearly demonstrates the relevant experience described in the Requirements section below, particularly the requirements outlined under Basic and Additional Requirements. These include transcript requirements.
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 before a final offer of employment. Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S.
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 course-by-course listing) is required with your application.
This position is with National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce.
The posted pay range is $83265 – $129742/yr.
This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-09-14.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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