Senior Atomic Clock Research Physicist

Quick Facts

• Hiring Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Department: Department of Commerce
• Location: Boulder, Colorado
• Salary: $118675 – $182316/yr
• Hiring Path: Fed Transition
• Number of Openings: 1
• Security Clearance: Not Required
• Date Posted: 2026-08-26
• Application Deadline: 2026-09-01

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Job Summary

NIST's Time & Frequency Division is hiring a Senior Atomic Clock Research Physicist to lead cutting-edge research on chip-scale optical clocks, microfabricated frequency references, and compact atomic sensor technologies. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Key Responsibilities

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 Atomic Devices and Instrumentation Group, which develops compact, low power quantum sensors using a combination of precision atomic spectroscopy, silicon micromachining, and photonics.

As the Senior Atomic Clock Research Physicist, you will: Lead and perform independent fundamental research on development of chip-scale optical clocks and micro-fabricated optical frequency references. Perform research involving atomic vapors, photonics, microfabricated vapor cells with photonic waveguides. Use a high degree of insight and ingenuity in leading laboratory activities to advance chip-scale devices based on photonic systems and atomic ensembles.

Requirements & 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 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.

Contact

erin.oneill@nist.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $118675 – $182316/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-09-01.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.

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Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government