Job Opportunity 

Researcher Associate

CHIPS R&D Metrology Program

National Institute of Standards and Technology

U.S. Department of Commerce

Summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking one or more full-time Researcher Associates

for the CHIPS R&D Metrology Program. The CHIPS R&D Metrology Program emphasizes measurements 

that are accurate, precise, and fit-for-purpose for the production of microelectronic materials, devices, 

circuits, and systems. This work leverages NIST’s proven measurement science expertise, foundational 

communications and computing research capabilities, standards development contributions, and stakeholder 

engagement practices to address the highest priority metrology challenges identified across industry, 

academia, and government agencies. NIST is expanding upon its strong track record of supporting the 

semiconductor technology and manufacturing ecosystem by developing, advancing, and deploying 

standards, reference materials, best practices, and measurement methods. Researcher Associates will perform 

advanced research related to the CHIPS R&D Metrology mission, introduce the latest university research 

results and techniques to CHIPS R&D Metrology programs, strengthen mutual communication with CHIPS 

R&D community. Postdoctoral Research Associates will have access to NIST unique research facilities and 

opportunities to collaborate with the U.S. scientific and engineering communities.

The Researcher Associate is a full-time physical scientist (Series 1301) ZP-III position with a salary range of 

$80,665 - $128,956 per year. The full performance-level for this position is GS-12. The position will

report to a principal investigator in the CHIPS R&D Metrology Program. Position opportunities are available 

at NIST duty stations in Boulder, CO and Gaithersburg, MD. The duties of this position are suitable for some 

telework with supervisor approval. The Department of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description

The Researcher Associate is a core member of the CHIPS R&D Metrology team contributing to research. The 

Researcher Associate will be responsible for:

• advancing the state of the art in measurements supporting semiconductor technologies and 

manufacturing ecosystem, providing support for American industry through measurements;

• performing research independently and as a member of a team to improve measurements for the 

research and development microelectronic materials, devices, circuits, and systems;

• validating and improving measurements through comparisons with other national metrology 

laboratories and by other methodology; and

• interacting with NIST staff and external stakeholders and develop external collaborations with leading 

scientists to identify the best methods for achieving the highest performance.

The key skills of the Researcher Associate include demonstrated ability to:

• plan and carry out difficult and complex assignments in a scientific, engineering, 

mathematics or information technology discipline;

• develops new methods, approaches, and procedures usually in cooperation with 

coworkers or advisors with limited supervision;

• analyze, research, and use judgment to research, select, interpret, modify, adapt and apply available 

guidelines to specific problems or issues related to semiconductor technologies and/or manufacturing 

ecosystem;

• assess risk in a practical and responsible manner and make well-reasoned decisions as well as to think 

creatively;

• ability to build and maintain effective working relations with stakeholders and colleagues and to work 

effectively in teams;
• maintain professional integrity and use sound judgment in handling confidential information;

• exhibit excellent communication skills and the capacity to present both written and oral ideas clearly, 

concisely, and persuasively; and

• carry out assignments independently with minimal supervision.

Required documents:

A complete application consists of the following:

• Cover letter. Address demonstrated interests and qualifications as it relates to the position.

• Resume showing relevant experience. Your resume should list your educational and work 

experience, including the dates (mm/dd/yyyy) and provide the hours per week, if less than 40. For 

work in the Federal Service, please include the pay plan and grade level for the position(s).

• Copy of graduate school transcript. Unofficial copy is sufficient at this time, but official copy

must be submitted before appointment.

Qualifications

An Applicant must have a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester 

hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of 

materials, and electronics.

Or

Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that 

included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate 

experience or additional education.

In addition, applicants must meet the following specialized experience requirements: at least 1 year (52 

weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 (ZP-II at NIST) level. Specialized 

experience is defined as: experience developing and/or applying measurement methods related to 

semiconductor technologies and/or manufacturing technologies

Or

Master’s equivalent graduate degree. 

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.

• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.

How To Apply

Qualified candidates should send their cover letter and resume to researchjobs@chips.gov research with the subject

line “CHIPS R&D Metrology Researcher Associate - [Full Name].” All other required documents (e.g., copy of 

transcript) will be required if hired. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

When a position is available, a vacancy announcement will be posted on WWW.USAJOBS.GOV.