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 The Optical Radiation Group has received CHIPS R&D Metrology funding to work with a multidisciplinary team to model, design, and build a brand-new metrology tool for semiconductor chip inspection. The extreme ultraviolet scatterometry tool will employ spectroscopic ellipsometry of extreme-ultraviolet light to measure the chemistry and atomic-scale features of semiconductors chips. The Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF III) team is seeking viable researchers to assist in the design, construction, calibration, and operation of this new scatterometry end station. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will be expected to communicate and collaborate with team members, other NIST teams, and external teams, and present and publish results as appropriate. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENTS: A. 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 B. 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. AND In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must: Possess at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level (ZP-II at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as: 1. Experience in designing and constructing mechanical systems to include the use of CAD software 2. Experience working with ultra-high vacuum systems 3. Experience with the LabVIEW programming environment 4. Experience working in at least 2 of the following areas: spectroscopy, diffraction, polarization, ellipsometry, optical properties of materials, and/or semiconductor devices. OR Master's or equivalent degree OR Combination of education and experience 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. The trial period is the length of the term appointment. The initial appointment is up to 2 years. This appointment may be extended up to four years without further competition. If the selection results in a temporary promotion, it can be extended not to exceed 5 years or made permanent 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