Lead Research Physicist, Photonic Integrated Circuits
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Position ID:
PML-686-26-12904890-DH
City:
Boulder, Colorado
Date Posted:
2026-03-11
Expiration Time:
2026-03-18
Job Type:
Job Category:
Physics
Salary:
118675 - 182316 PA
Job Summary
Welcome to the Applied Physics Division! The mission of the Applied Physics Division is to advance measurement science and technology in areas of critical importance to national priority needs, such as, advanced manufacturing, national security, quantum communications, strategic computing, and quantitative imaging! We're looking for a Lead Research Physicist, Photonic Integrated Circuits to join our team!
Job Description
All applicants must submit a resume NOT TO EXCEED two pages on standard-size paper. If the resume exceeds two pages, only the first two pages will be reviewed for qualifications or assessment determinations. 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-12 (ZP-III at NIST) level. Specialized Experience is defined as experience in carrying out research in the field photonic integrated circuits (PICs), with specific emphasis on active devices and heterogenous integration. Examples of research topics may include, but are not limited to, I-V characterization, optical measurement of PICs, laser noise characterization, PIC circuit design, cleanroom fabrication, and quantum measurement and computing. 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