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Chief, Time & Frequency Division


Job Location:

Boulder, CO - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 164956 - 164956
Posted: 6 October 2026 (20 days ago)
Application Deadline: 3 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

PMLs Time and Frequency Division seeks a Chief to provide strategic direction and technical management for U.S. official time standards and metrology research. Leading a high-level team you will drive collaborative programs influence agency priorities and secure resources with key stakeholders to advance NISTs mission on an international scale.

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.


Duties

NISTs Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) is the nations authority on measurement setting definitive standards across a staggering 20 orders of magnitude. We are currently seeking a skilled professional to join our prestigious Time and Frequency Division. This division holds the vital responsibility of maintaining the official standard for frequency and time intervals for the United States.

If you are hired for this role you will:


Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Males born aftermust be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment
  • Completion of Confidential Financial Disclosure Form OGE-450
  • Designated and/or random drug testing required
  • Bargaining Unit Position: No
Qualifications

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 1 or 2 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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to the basic requirements above applicants must possess one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level (ZP-IV at NIST.) Specialized experience is defined as ALL of the following:
  • Experience directing and managing projects to ensure adherence to established standards for frequency and time intervals. AND
  • Experience overseeing research in advanced time and frequency metrology. AND
  • Experience providing guidance to senior management and key stakeholders on complex or controversial scientific methods and program directions and leading high-level programs that involve collaboration with external organizations.

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
Additional information

This position is covered under NISTs 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!

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


Required Experience:

Chief