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Summary Welcome to NIST's Sensor Science Division. Our Vision is to be the primary driver of innovation in SI-traceable measurements for dimensional, thermodynamic, optical radiation, and fluid flow. We are looking for an Optical Properties of Materials Researcher to characterize how materials interact with light through reflectance, transmittance, and BRDF. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. Responsibilities As an Optical Properties of Materials Researcher you will: Advance the understanding and measurement of optical properties of materials, specifically to characterize how materials interact with light through reflectance, transmittance, and bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) across the ultraviolet, visible, and short-wave infrared spectral regions. Develop and improve high-accuracy measurement methods for determining optical properties of materials. Perform calibrations for customers. Automate instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis using tools such as Python, MATLAB, and LabVIEW. Reduce measurement uncertainties and advance the reliability and traceability of optical property data. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Individual Occupational Requirements Basic Requirements: 1. Degree: physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics. OR 2. 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 A or B 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, 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 conducting optical properties of materials measurements; applying traceability and measurement uncertainty principles; experience with optical systems and lasers; and developing measurement support tools using programming languages. 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 through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) 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 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. Additional Information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A probationary period may be required. 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. For more information, please visit our Careers website.