Advance the Future of Time: Atomic Clock Research Physicist at NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is currently inviting applications for the position of Atomic Clock Research Physicist. Based in the beautiful city of Boulder, Colorado, this role is essential to maintaining the high precision of U.S. time and frequency standards. If you are an expert in atomic physics with a passion for precision measurement, this is your chance to contribute to a world-class team.

Job Responsibilities

As an Atomic Clock Research Physicist, your primary duties will include:

Research and Development: Contributing to the experimental and theoretical advancement of microwave and optical atomic clocks.
Standard Maintenance: Managing the UTC(NIST) atomic clock timescale.
Complex Assignments: Planning and executing high-level research tasks in primary and secondary frequency references.
Collaboration: Working alongside globally recognized experts in atomic timekeeping.

Requirements

To be considered, you must meet the following criteria:

Education: A degree in physics or a related field (at least 24 semester hours in physics).
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the ZP-II/GS-9 level, specifically in laser cooling or trapping of atoms, ions, or molecules.
Clearance: Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Candidate Comparison Table

Criteria	Essential Requirement	Preferred/Additional
Education	Physics Degree (24+ credits)	Advanced Degree/Masters
Specialized Exp	Laser cooling/trapping	Precision timescale experience
Clearance	Top Secret	High-Risk/Sensitive

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $83,265 to $129,742 per year. Under the Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), NIST provides unique flexibilities to recruit top talent, including performance-based compensation structures and robust work-life balance programs.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or shorter. Use a clear 11-point font and save as a PDF.
Clarity: Explicitly state the number of hours worked per week for every position listed.
Integrity: Write your narrative responses personally without the use of AI tools.

This role offers a rare opportunity to impact the world's most accurate time-measurement technologies. If you meet the qualifications, apply before the September 14, 2026, deadline to be considered.

Why This Atomic Clock Research Physicist Job Matters

Join the forefront of timekeeping innovation at NIST—where world-class physicists redefine the precision of our global standards.

Atomic Clock Research Physicist Job Overview

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a highly skilled Atomic Clock Research Physicist to join the Time Realization and Distribution Group in Boulder, Colorado. This role sits at the intersection of theoretical physics and applied engineering, focusing on the development and maintenance of microwave and optical atomic clocks. As a key member of the Physical Measurement Laboratory, you will influence the future of UTC(NIST) and contribute to the most accurate time measurement standards in the United States.

Requirements for Atomic Clock Research Physicist

Degree in physics or a related field with at least 24 semester hours in physics.
Combination of education and experience equivalent to a major in physics totaling 24 semester hours.
Required coursework: A fundamental course in general physics, plus any two from: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, or sound.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-9 (ZP-II) level involving laser cooling or trapping of atoms, molecules, or ions.
Alternatively, a Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or a combination of graduate education and specialized experience.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages in PDF format.

Preferred Qualifications for Atomic Clock Research Physicist

Advanced expertise in theoretical and experimental atomic frequency standards.
Demonstrated ability to plan and manage complex, high-level physics research projects.
Experience contributing to atomic clock timescales or precision measurement systems.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Access to the Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS) for performance-based compensation.
✓Work-life balance flexibilities.
✓Professional development and growth opportunities within the Department of Commerce.
✓Comprehensive federal employee benefits package.

💡 How to Apply Atomic Clock Research Physicist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Atomic Clock Research Physicist Job

Prepare a two-page PDF resume highlighting your relevant technical experience.
Gather transcripts to verify your educational background.
Navigate to the official online application portal provided by USAJOBS.
Complete the required questionnaires and provide narrative responses if applicable.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date of September 14, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; any additional pages will not be reviewed by subject matter experts.
Use a font size of 11 points or larger for readability.
Clearly list hours worked and dates (month/year) for each role to help recruiters assess your specialized experience.
Verify that your transcript documents are legible and uploaded in PDF format.
Double-check your email settings to ensure you don't miss status notifications from NIST.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this role?

The role focuses on advancing atomic frequency standards, including both microwave and optical clock technologies, and maintaining the UTC(NIST) timescale.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires a Top Secret security clearance and is classified as Special-Sensitive/High Risk.

Can I use AI to write my application responses?

No. You must certify that your responses are your own words and were not generated by AI or consultants.

Can I submit my transcript as a photo?

While digital copies are accepted, they must be clear and legible. PDF is preferred to ensure no data is lost.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, relocation benefits are available for this position.

Job from National Institute Of Standards And Technology

NIST, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, works at the frontier of science to drive innovation. Through the Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML), NIST sets the definitive standards for measurements across various industries and research sectors, spanning over 20 orders of magnitude. The Time Realization and Distribution Group is responsible for the nation's official sources of time.