U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Daniel C. Roper, Secretary NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

LYMAN J. BRIGGS, Director

WASHINGTON

SCIENTIFIC

AND

TECHNICAL POSITIONS

IN THE

NATIONAL

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Miscellaneous Publication Ml 52 (Supersedes M94)

((The ?iational Bureau of Standards is charged by law with the development, construction, custody, and

maintenance of reference and wording standards and

their intercomparison, improvement, and application

in science, engineering, industry, and commerce.

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1935
2
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL POSITIONS

in the NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS 1 CONTENTS

Page

Subjects of Bureau activities 4 Purpose of this circular 5 Information regarding Bureau 5 Location of Bureau 5 Map showing location of Bureau 2 Airplane view of Bureau 10 Laboratory facilities 5

Scientific and technical work 5 Training in the Bureau 6 Educational opportunities 6 Library facilities 6 Information regarding appointments 7 Mode of entrance 7 Needs of the service 7 Entrance salary 7 Duties j. 7 Application 7 Examination 8 Notice of examination 8 Physical examination 8 Member of family already in Government 8 Senior students 9 Citizenship and sex 9 Residence and domicile 9 Temporary appointment 9 Summer appointment 9 Research associate positions 12 Nontechnical positions 12 Probationary period 12 Qualifications required for entrance 13 Junior professional grade 13 Physicist 13 Chemist 13 Technologist 13 Engineer 13 Assistant professional grade 14 Associate professional grade 14 Full professional grade 14 Higher professional grades 15 Minor subprofessional grade 15 Under subprofessional grade 15 Junior subprofessional grade 15 Assistant subprofessional grade 16 Higher subprofessional grades 16 General information 16 Working hours 16 Leave of absence 16 Advancement 16 Retirement 17 Specimen examination papers 17 Transportation to new appointees 17 Welfare 17 Recreation 17 Cost of living in Washington 17 Salary ranges 18

1 Prepared by William C. Fewell, Personnel Officer.

3
4

SUBJECTS OF BUREAU ACTIVITIES

Electricity

Resistance Measurements

Inductance 8b Capacitance

Electrical Instruments Magnetic Measurements

Photometry

Radio

Underground Corrosion Electrochemistry

Telephone Standards Weights and Measures

Length Mass Time

Capacity & Density Gas Measuring Insts. Thermal Expansion, Dental

Mtls., & Identification Weights 8b Meas. Laws Adm.

Railroad Scales 8s Test Cars Gage Standardization Heat and Power

Thermometry

Pyrometry Heat Measurements Heat Transfer Cryogenic Laboratory Automotive Power Plants Lubrication 8s Liq. Fuels Optics

Spectroscopy

Polarimetry

Colorimetry

Optical Instruments Radiometry Atomic Physics, Radium,

& X-Rays

Photographic Technology

Interferometry Chemistry

Physico-Chemical Research

Paints, Varnishes, Etc. Detergents, Cement, Etc. Organic Chemistry Metal 8s Ore Analysis, Etc, Reagents 8e Platinum Metals

Electrochemistry (Plating) Gas Chemistry

Mechanics and Sound

Engineering Instruments 8c Mech. Appliances Sound

Aeronautic Instruments Aerodynamical Physics

Engineering Mechanics

Hydraulic Laboratory

Organic & Fibrous Materials Rubber

Textiles Paper

Leather

Testing 8s Specifications Fiber Structure Metallurgy

Optical Metallurgy Thermal Metallurgy Mechanical Metallurgy Chemical Metallurgy

Experimental Foundry

Clay & Silicate Products

Whiteware

Glass

Refractories Enameled Metals Heavy Clay Products Cement & ConcretingjMtls. Masonry Construction Lime 8s Gypsumj

Stone Simplified Practice

Wood, Textiles, 8b Paper Metal Products 8b Construction Materials Containers 8b Miscellaneous Products

Materials Handling Equip- ment 8s Ceramics Trade Standards

Wood, Wood Products, Paper, Leather, 8b Rubber

Metal Products

Textiles 8b Garments

Ceramic 8b Cement Prods. Petroleum, Chemical, 8b Miscellaneous Prods. Codes and Specifications

Safety Codes

Building Codes

Building Practice and Specifications Producer Contacts and Certification Consumer Contacts and Labeling
5

Subjects of Bureau Activities (continued)

Operation of Plant

Power Plant

Electrical Piping Grounds

Construction Guard

Janitorial

Office

Finance

Personnel Purchase 8s Stores Property & Transportation Mail & Files Library Information Medical Office Shops

Instrument Woodworking

Glassblowing

Gage

Construction Stores 8s Tool Room PURPOSE OF THIS CIRCULAR

The National Bureau of Standards desires to keep

in touch with men and women who are well qualified to fill positions on its scientific staff. The aim of

this circular is to answer queries received in the

daily mail and give general information to prospective applicants who are interested in the scientific and technical work of the Bureau. INFORMATION CONCERNING BUREAU

Location of National Bureau The Bureau's location is pleasant, about 3% miles from the center of Washington, at Connecticut

Avenue and Upton Street. The Bureau comprises

a group of laboratory buildings on a 56-acre site, arranged like a university, situated on a natural hill amidst beautiful country surroundings.

Laboratory Facilities The Bureau's facilities make it one of the best- equipped physical laboratories in the world for carrying on scientific research.

Scientific and Technical Work

The work of the Bureau includes many branches

of physics, chemistry, and engineering, such as mechanics, heat, optics, electricity, sound, metrology,

metallurgy, radio, electronics, thermodynamics,

aerodynamics, engineering (aeronautical, automotive, electrical, gas, hydraulic, mechanical, structural), also industrial technology (ceramics, leather, paper, petroleum, rubber, and textiles), including

research and standardization, and offers valuable

experience in these professions, combining as it does

theoretical, experimental, and practical work.
6

Training in the Bureau The Bureau affords an excellent opportunity for training in scientific work, and its close connection

with the industries makes Bureau experience valuable in industrial research. Many employees have

found a Bureau position the stepping stone to some

more highly remunerative one outside. Others who

have remained in the service have been rewarded

with steady advancement. It is generally recog- nized that the Government scientific and technical

service is an excellent postgraduate training ground,

and outside interests are ever on the alert to secure

successful Government research workers. Educational opportunities

Educational opportunities are afforded by the weekly meetings of the Bureau staff, meetings of the

various divisions and sections, the atomic physics

seminar, cooperative postgraduate study courses

in physics, chemistry, mathematics, etc., conducted

by members of the staff and others outside of official hours, special lectures by visiting scientists, and

meetings of national societies. The advanced

courses at the Bureau are accepted by several universities as credits toward a higher degree when

combined with a moderate amount of additional work taken in residence at the university selected. In some cases facilities can be provided at the Bureau for carrying out an experimental research which can be used for a thesis. Junior assistants are offered the opportunity of continuing their

college work at local universities. In fact, employees appointed to positions in the subprofessional service are expected to prepare themselves by

suitable education in some branch of the Bureau's work for the broader field represented in positions

of higher grades. The university courses are largely

arranged to suit the convenience of persons in the Government service, and classes in most subjects

are given in the late afternoon or evening.

Library Facilities The National Bureau of Standards has a highly

specialized scientific library of 40,000 volumes and

free use of the other scientific collections in Washington.
7 INFORMATION REGARDING APPOINTMENTS

Mode of Entrance

All positions on the staff of the National Bureau

of Standards are subject to the competitive require- ments of the civil-service rules and regulations.

Only those candidates can be considered who have

passed appropriate examinations and who are certified by the United States Civil Service Commission among the three highest eligibles on the register as vacancies arise. Needs of the Service For original appointment the demand is always

much greater for junior assistants than for the

higher grades, principally because, wherever possible, vacancies in the higher grades are filled through promotion. The bureau staff comprises

approximately 775 professional, subprofessional, clerical, administrative, fiscal, and custodial positions.

Naturally, in a force of this size vacancies often

occur. The staff is also gradually increasing, so that there is frequent opportunity for the employment of young college men and women in scientific work. Entrance Salary

All appointments are made at the entrance salary

of the grade for which eligibles have qualified

through civil-service examination.

Duties

No definite statement can be made as to the

specific nature of the duties of a particular grade or position prior to offer of appointment. The duties are usually in connection with original investigations or testing in some field of the Bureau's work. While experimental testing usually forms the major

part of the early work of new appointees in the

junior grades, opportunities for research are afforded. Application

Formal applications for examination in any of the

several grades cannot be accepted until after an

examination has been announced. Application is made on standard prescribed forms issued by the United States Civil Service Commission.
8 Examination

Examinations for positions in the lower grades

are held occasionally throughout the country in practically every city of considerable size. Examinations for the higher grades are held from time to time as the needs of the service require. Appli- cants for the junior professional and subprofessional

positions are required to report for a written examination. Applicants for positions of higher

grade are not required to report for a written

examination but are rated on their education,

training, experience, writings (publications, reports, or thesis), and corroborative evidence. Notice of Examination

Persons who desire to be notified of the an- nouncement of an examination for a position of any grade or in any specialty in the National Bureau of Standards may place their names on file for the purpose with the United States Civil Service Commission or the National Bureau of Standards,

Washington, D. C. Announcements showing the exact dates on which

the examinations will be held and giving full in- formation regarding the requirements, places of examination, etc., will be mailed to the heads of appropriate departments of colleges and universities and other interested persons approximately one month in advance of the examination dates. Physical Examination

In view of the benefits granted employees under

employees' compensation and retirement legislation, persons appointed will be required to pass a physical

examination by a physician in the Federal service before entering on duty. They must have such

health and freedom from physical defects as will enable them to meet the physical standard which

the Civil Service Commission deems necessary to perform the duties of the position.

Member of Family Already in Government

In view of present employment conditions, where

there are already one or more members of a single

family (living under the same roof) in the service of the District of Columbia or the United States, additional members of that family will not be

appointed.
9 Senior Students

Applications will be accepted from senior students

in college and high school when an examination is announced, subject to their furnishing proof of actual graduation before entering on duty in case appointment is made.

Citizenship and Sex

All citizens of the United States, both men and women, who meet the requirements may enter

these examinations; appointing officers, however,

have the legal right to specify the sex desired in requesting certification of eligibles. Residence and Domicile

To be eligible for permanent appointment to the apportioned service in Washington, D. C, applicants

must have been actually domiciled, for at least one

year next preceding the date of the examination, in the State or Territory in which they claim legal residence. Practically all positions on the Bureau

staff are in the District of Columbia and are, therefore, subject to the above residence requirement.

Temporary Appointment

Temporary appointments are also made through

civil-service examination and certification; that is,

if there are eligibles on civil-service registers who are

willing to accept temporary appointment, they must

be given first opportunity for such positions. Temporary appointment of others may be authorized by

the United States Civil Service Commission in the event that there are no eligibles available for certi- fication from existing lists, pending the announce- ment of an examination and the establishment of a new register of eligibles. There is, however,

usually a surplus of civil-service eligibles available

for certification, and there is seldom opportunity

for such temporary appointment of others except

in positions requiring highly specialized training

and experience.

Summer Appointment

There are no special provisions for appointments

to cover the summer-vacation period. A few such

appointments can sometimes be made, but, in general, the statements above regarding civil-service requirements for temporary appointments apply to the summer positions as well. The Bureau's operations have to be conducted under a budget providing

for fairly uniform maintenance of its work and staff

143311—35 2
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throughout the year. Forthermore, most of the work requires a considerable amount of experience

before it can be carried on independently. The time

required from experienced members of the staff in instructing and supervising new appointees makes

employment for short periods uneconomical. In view of all these conditions, it is necessary to limit rather closely the number of summer appointments

made.

Research Associate Positions Technical problems arise in every industry. Some

are of such pressing importance that an industry or group of technicians concerned may apply to the Bureau for cooperation. If facilities and other conditions are favorable, the Bureau may authorize the appointment of a research associate. The industrial or technical group allots funds for the purpose. A

research worker is then sought either by the Bureau

or the employing organization. If mutually acceptable, he is appointed as a research associate by the

Director of the National Bureau of Standards. Usually the appointee is a technical or scientific graduate qualified to initiate and conduct research. The employing organization is usually an association

of an entire industry or a specialized scientific or

technical group. These appointments are made

without reference to civil-service examination, rules, and regulations. In view of the small number of research associate assignments, in comparison with

the regular staff, vacancies seldom arise in these

positions.

Nontechnical Positions There are also other classes of positions on the

staff of the National Bureau of Standards, such as

clerical, stenographic, administrative, mechanical,

etc., but calls for such eligibles are infrequent and

there is usually a sufficient supply of eligibles avail- able to meet the demand of the service from current examinations conducted by the United States Civil Service Commission for the entire Government

service. Requests for information concerning these

positions should be addressed to the United States

Civil Service Commission, Washington, D. C. Probationary Period

All civil-service appointees to professional posi- tions in this Bureau are required to serve a probationary periotl of one year. Appointees to nonprofessional positions will serve a probationary period
13

of six months. At the expiration of the probation- ary period, the appointment becomes permanent if the employee's work and conduct have been

satisfactory.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR ENTRANCE

The general requirements necessary for admittance to the examinations for the regular scientific and technical positions are given below. It is, of course, occasionally necessary to announce other

special examinations, but these are usuaUy of a

highly specialized nature. The professional degrees

must have been conferred by a college or universit}^ of recognized standing.

Junior Professional Grade (salary range, $2,000 to $2,600)

Physicist.—Graduation with a bachelor's degree

with the completion of at least 118 semester-hours

credit, such course to have included as a minimum

mathematics through elementary differential equations, and at least 24 semester-hours of physics.

Applicants are examined and rated on the subjects of general physics, mathematics through calculus, and

practical questions on the optional subject chosen

(electricity, heat, mechanics, optics, physical metallurgy, radio). Chemist.—Graduation with a bachelor's degree,

such degree requiring the completion of at least 118

credit-hours, 30 credit-hours of which must have

been in chemistry. Applicants are examined and

rated on the subjects of general chemistry and

elementary physics and practical questions on the

optional subject chosen (advanced inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry,

physical chemistry).

Technologist.—Graduation with a degree with the completion of at least 118 credit-hours, such a

course to have included the fundamentals of chemistry, mathematics, and engineering or physics.

Applicants are examined and rated on the subjects

of general chemistry and elementary physics, mathematics up to and including calculus, and practical

questions on the optional subject chosen (ceramics,

leather, paper, petroleum, rubber, and textile technology).

Engineer.—Graduation upon the completion of at

least 118 semester-hours credit with a degree in engineering, preferably along the line of the optional

chosen. Applicants are examined and rated on the
14

subjects of general physics, mathematics, general

engineering, and practical questions on the optional

subject chosen (aeronautical, chemical, civil, electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, structural steel and

concrete)

.

Assistant Professional Grade (salary range, $2,600

to $3,200) In addition to meeting the preliminary require- ments for the junior professional grade, applicants

must have had at least two years of subsequent

experience in work of a research or scientific character in the optional selected, showing a fair degree

of progression in duties and responsibilities and some

aptitude for investigative work; provided, that one

year of graduate work will be accepted in lieu of each year of the required experience. Associate Professional Grade (salary range, $3,200

to $3,800) In addition to meeting the preliminary require- ments for the junior professional grade, applicants

must show that they have had at least three years of subsequent experience in specialized research or developmental work and should submit evidence to show the quality of work accomplished and their

ability to assume important responsibilities and to carry on difficult scientific work in the optional under

which they apply. Appointment in this grade re- quires professional attainment of a high order. Applicants may substitute one year of postgraduate

work for each year of the required experience, but in order to qualify entirely on the basis of academic

work an applicant must have received the doctor's degree. Full Professional Grade (salary range, $3,800 to $4,600) In addition to meeting the preliminary require- ments for the junior professional grade, applicants

must show that they have had at least five years' experience subsequent to graduation and of a

scientific or investigative nature in the optional

selected. The training and experience must have

been sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform

highly specialized and extremely difficult scientific or investigative work, must show a high degree of progression, scientific research successfully accomplished, and ability to assume increasingly important

responsibilities.
15

Higher Professional Grades (salary range, $4,600 to $9,000)

Vacancies in the higher professional grades are usually filled by promotion, and it is seldom neces- sary to make appointments in these grades. Applicants for these positions must show broad funda- mental scientific education, extended experience,

demonstrated proficiency in the field of science involved, and exceptional executive ability. Examinations in the higher grades are announced only as the needs of the service require, and then only in highly specialized fields. Minor Subprofessional Grade (salary range, $1,020

to $1,380)

Applicants for the position of minor physical

science aid must show that they have graduated

from a 4-year high-school course or completed 14

units of high-school work accepted for college entrance, and that their high-school work included

at least a 1-year course in either physics or chemistry. Applicants are examined and rated on the

subjects of elementary algebra and geometry, and

elementary physics or chemistry.

Under Subprofessional Grade (salary range, $1,260

to $1,620)

Applicants for the position of under-physical

science aid must have completed at least 30 credit- hours of college work, which shall have included as a minimum either a 6-hour course in college physics

or a 6-hour course in college chemistry. Applicants

are examined and rated on the subjects of general

chemistry or elementary physics, mathematics

through trigonometry, mechanical drawing, or essay

(to be handed to the examiner on the day of the

examination), and education and experience.

Junior Subprofessional Grade (salary range, $1,440

to $1,800)

Applicants for the position of junior physical

science aid must have completed at least 60 credit- hours of college work, such college course to have

included as a minimum either a 6-hour course in

college physics or a 6-hour course in college chemistry. Applicants are examined and rated on the

subjects of general chemistry or elementary physics,

mathematics through trigonometry, mechanical

drawing, or essay (to be handed to the examiner on

the day of the examination), and education and

experience.
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Assistant Subprofessional Grade (salary range, $1,620 to $1,980)

Applicants for the position of assistant physical

science aid must show that they have completed at

least 90 credit-hours of study in a college or university of recognized standing and that they have

majored in the optional subject selected in the examination (advanced general physics, ceramics,

chemical engineering, chemistry, civil and mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, paper tech- nology, physical metallurgy, physics and chemistry,

textile technology). Applicants are examined and

rated on the subjects of general chemistry and ele- mentary physics, mathematics including differential calculus, mechanical drawing, or essay (to be handed

to the examiner on the day of the examination) , and

education and experience.

Higher Subprofessional Grades (salary range, $1,800

to $3,200)

It is seldom, if ever, necessary to hold examinations in the higher subprofessional grades except in unusual cases where special training and experience

are required. Employees in the subprofessional

service engaged in laboratory work are usually pro- moted from the assistant subprofessional grade to the junior professional grade upon receiving a

college degree. The higher subprofessional grades

are composed principally of mechanical or other types of positions not in line for promotion to the

professional service. * GENERAL INFORMATION

Working Hours The regular hours for employees on the scientific staff of the National Bureau of Standards are from

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with one-half hour out for luncheon. On Saturdays the working hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. without intermission. Leave of Absence

Employees of the National Bureau of Standards

are granted 15 days, exclusive of Sundays and holi- days, of annual leave in each year. During sickness

of an emploj^ee salary may be paid for a period not

in excess of 30 days annually.

Advancement

The positions on the scientific staff form a con- tinuous series from the entrance grade to the highest,

subject to the limitations placed by the number of vacancies occurring. Promotion is possible from
17

one grade to another without further examination

other than the entrance examination, subject, of course, to the individual employee's efficiency,

training, and accomplishments, and to the funds

available for making promotion.

Retirement

Classified employees who have reached the retire- ment age and have served 15 years are entitled to retirement with annuity. A deduction of 3% per- cent is made from monthly salary to provide for

this annuity, which will be returned with 4 percent

interest, compounded annually, to persons leaving the service before retirement. The retirement age

for professional employees is 70 years, with optional

retirement at 68 years. Specimen Examination Papers

The National Bureau of Standards does not

distribute specimen sets of previous examination

papers. The character of the examinations for the

various classes of positions is sufficiently indicated under the separate headings in this publication.

Transportation to New Appointees

Persons accepting appointments must report to Washington, D. C, or assigned post of duty without

cost to the Government.

Welfare

Provision is made for the individual welfare of the Bureau employees. Voluntary first aid is rendered

in all principal buildings, and for those injured in

line of duty care is provided in accordance with the

provisions of the Federal Compensation Act. Recreation

There are tennis courts at the Bureau, and

facilities for golf, tennis, bathing, baseball, polo,

skating, and other sports are provided in the public

parks. The Potomac River is much used for canoeing, swimming, and its banks for camping and hiking.

The Library of Congress, National Academy of Sciences, National Museum, art galleries, Zoological

Park, and many other civic institutions peculiar to the National Capital afford unusual opportunities

for culture and recreation. Cost of Living in Washington

The cost of living in Washington is about the same

as in other large cities of the country. The average

cost of room and board in the vicinity of the National
18 Bureau of Standards is approximately $40 to $50 per month, including two meals per day. Rentals for apartments and houses would probably range from

$55 per month and upward, depending upon the

size, location, etc. Salary Ranges

The following table gives the salary steps attached

to the various grades and positions under the classi- fication act: Professional service

!

Grade Descriptive title Salary rates in dollars

1 Junior

.

2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500 2600

2 Assistant- _ 2600 2700 2800 2900 3000 3100 3200

3 Associate. 3200 3300 3400 3500 3600 3700 3800

4 Fuil 3800 4000 4200 4400 4600

5 Senior 4600 4800 5000 5200 5400

6 Principal. . 5600 5800 6000 6200 6400

7 Head 6500 7000 7500

8 Chief 8000 8500 9000

Subprofessional service j

Grade |

Descriptive title Salary rates in dollars

1 Minor 1020 1080 1140 1200 1260 1320 1380

2 Under 1260 1320 1380 1440 1500 1560 1620

3 Junior . 1440 1500 1560 1620 1680 1740 1800

4 Assistant - . ... 1620 1680 1740 1800 1860 1920 1980

5 Main . _ 1800 1860 1920 1980 2040 2100 2160

6 Senior . 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500 2600

7 Principal . _________ 2300 2400 2500 2600 2700 2800 2900

8 Chief 2600 2700 2800 2900 3000 3100 3200
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Clerical, administrative, and fiscal service

Grade |

Descriptive title Salary rates in dollars

1 Under 1260 1320 1380 1440 1500 1560 1620 2 Junior^ 1440 1500 1560 1620 1680 1740 1800

3 Assistant—. - 1620 1680 1740 1800 I860 1920 1980 4 Main 1800 1860 1920 1980 2040 2100 2160

5 Senior 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500 2600

6 Principal ._ 2300 2400 2500 2600 2700 2800 2900

7 Assistant administrative.- _ 2600 2700 2800 2900 3000 3100 3200 8 Associate administrative 2900 3000 3100 3200 3300 3400 3500

9 Full administrative __ 3200 3300 3400 3500 3600 3700 3800

10 Senior administrative 3500 3600 3700 3800 3900 4000 4100

11 Principal administrative 3800 4000 4200 4400 4600

12 Head administrative- 4600 4800 5000 5200 5400

13 Chief administrative- 5600 5800 6000 6200 6400

14 Executive -— 6500 7000 7500

15 Senior executive,.- - 8000 8500 9000

Custodial service

Grade |

Descriptive title Salary rates in dollars

1 Junior messenger 600 660 720 780 840

2 Office laborer 1080 1140 1200 1260 1320 1380

3 Minor 1200 1260 1320 1380 1440 1500

4 Under 1320 1380 1440 1500 1560 1620 1680

5 Junior - - 1500 1560 1620 1680 1740 1800 1860

6 Assistant - - .- 1680 1740 1800 1860 1920 1980 2040

7 Main. . 1860 1920 1980 2040 2100 2200 2300

8 Senior __ ... 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500 2600

9 Principal . 2300 2400 2500 2600 2700 2800 2900

10 Chief 2600 2700 2800 2900 3000 3100 3200 o