Launch Your Career as a Computational Physicist at NIST

Are you a scientist with a passion for high-performance computing (HPC)? The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is currently seeking a talented Computational Physicist to join the Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This role is a vital component of the lab's success, ensuring that researchers have the computing power and infrastructure necessary to push the boundaries of materials science.

Job Responsibilities

The Computational Physicist will act as a bridge between complex physical research and IT infrastructure. Key duties include:

HPC Administration: Configuring and maintaining high-performance computing resources, including both CPU and GPU clusters.
Workflow Optimization: Developing strategies to improve the performance and reproducibility of materials science computational workflows.
Technical Support: Serving as a primary administrator for the NIST Center for Theoretical and Computational Materials Science (CTCMS).
Policy Compliance: Ensuring that all computational environments align with strict NIST IT and security standards.
Data Management: Executing data migration activities to transition research data to newer, more efficient platforms.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet specific education and experience criteria.

Requirement Type	Criteria
Education	Bachelor's in Physics (or related with 24+ physics credits)
Experience	1 year of specialized experience at GS-9/ZP-II level
HPC Skills	Linux administration and cluster operations
Submission	Resume limited to 2 pages, PDF format

Salary Overview

The salary for this position ranges from $85,447 to $133,142 per year. This position falls under the Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), which is designed to reward performance and provide flexibility for recruitment and retention.

Benefits

NIST is committed to fostering a supportive work environment. Employees benefit from:

Robust work-life balance initiatives.
Professional growth in a collaborative, research-focused culture.
Access to federal health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
Exposure to interdisciplinary scientific projects.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Since the SME review is limited to the first two pages, ensure your most relevant technical experience is placed prominently.
Clarity: Use a standard, readable font (11pt+) and clear formatting in your PDF.
Detail: Explicitly state your hours per week for all previous roles to ensure you meet the minimum time-in-grade requirements.

If you have the technical expertise and the desire to support world-class physics research, this position offers an unparalleled opportunity to work at the intersection of computing and material science. Apply today to contribute to the innovation happening at NIST.

Why This Computational Physicist Job Matters

Advance the future of materials science through high-performance computing as a Computational Physicist at NIST.

Computational Physicist Job Overview

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a skilled Computational Physicist to join the Material Measurement Laboratory (MML). This role is dedicated to enhancing the infrastructure that powers critical research, ensuring computational reproducibility, and supporting the NIST Center for Theoretical and Computational Materials Science (CTCMS). If you are passionate about HPC architecture and scientific innovation, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the tools used for cutting-edge discovery.

Requirements for Computational Physicist

Bachelor's 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 (24+ semester hours).
One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 or ZP-II level.
Proven proficiency in Linux system administration.
Experience in HPC cluster operations and resource management.
Advanced education (3 years of graduate study or a Ph.D.) may substitute for some experience requirements.
Must be able to provide transcripts (unofficial accepted initially, official required for hiring).

Preferred Qualifications for Computational Physicist

Proven ability to manage both CPU and GPU computing resources.
Demonstrated experience in data migration and large-scale system maintenance.
Strong collaboration skills for working with research scientists and senior staff.
Familiarity with maintaining IT security and policy compliance in a laboratory setting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary package.
✓Participation in the Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS).
✓Support for work-life balance through flexible work arrangements.
✓Comprehensive career development and training opportunities.
✓Exposure to world-class scientific research environments.
✓Opportunity to contribute to national-level innovation.

💡 How to Apply Computational Physicist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Computational Physicist Job

Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, using a font size of 11pt or larger.
Save your resume and supporting documents (transcripts/evaluations) as PDF files.
Visit the online application portal and select the Apply Online button.
Complete the mandatory questionnaires and respond to the four optional narrative questions.
Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your status through the application portal for updates on eligibility.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; any content beyond that will not be reviewed.
Explicitly state the number of hours worked per week for every experience listed on your resume.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible.
If you have foreign education, ensure you provide a course-by-course evaluation.
Respond to the narrative questions thoughtfully, as they help clarify your technical fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this appointment?

The position is a 2-year appointment, which may be extended up to a maximum of 4 years.

Is a security clearance required?

No, a security clearance is not required for this role; it is classified as non-sensitive/low risk.

Can I use AI to write my application?

No. You must certify that your application responses are written in your own words and were not created using AI tools like ChatGPT.

What if I have foreign education?

*A: You must submit a course-by-course evaluation from an accredited organization to prove equivalence to a U.S. degree.*

How will I know if my application was received?

*A: You will receive a confirmation email once your application is successfully submitted via the portal.*

Job from National Institute Of Standards And Technology

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a premier physical science laboratory within the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST works with industry, academia, and government to advance innovation, foster economic security, and improve our overall quality of life. By joining NIST, you become part of a legacy of measurement science and technological advancement that influences global standards.