Employment Opportunities

Anticipated Staff Openings

The NIST Information Technology Laboratory anticipates filling one or more positions within its Applied and Computational Mathematics Division (ACMD) during the coming year.  In particular, we anticipate needs in the following areas:

Quantum Characterization

Candidates will (a) engage in research in quantum characterization theory, with emphasis on the verification and validation of physical quantum systems used for information processing tasks, as well as for fundamental metrology, (b) work closely with scientists at NIST and elsewhere to design and analyze the results of quantum-based experiments, (c) work with external groups to establish metrics and benchmarks for quantum computing, (d) disseminate results through research articles and technical presentations, and (e) provide technical guidance to postdocs and student interns. Applicants will be expected to have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience. U.S. citizenship is required. This position is in the NIST Boulder, CO laboratory. Interested parties should send an expression of interest, including a CV, to Scott Glancy (scott.glancy [at] nist.gov) and Manny Knill (emanuel.knill [at] nist.gov).

When available, the position will be posted at http://www.usajobs.gov.  The salary range for the position is $104,038-$159,823 per annum.

Quantum Algorithms

Candidates with expertise in the development and analysis of algorithms for future quantum computers, including computational complexity theory and schemes for fault tolerance. Of particular interest are applications in number theory, cryptography and quantum chemistry simulation. Candidates must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent research experience) in mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related field. Appointments at both the junior and senior levels will be considered. US citizenship is required. Interested parties are invited to contact Ronald Boisvert at boisvert [at] nist.gov.

Uncertainty Quantification in Scientific Computing

Candidates with expertise in uncertainty quantification, statistics, and risk analysis, with particular emphasis. Candidates must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent research experience) in mathematics, computer science, or a related field. Appointments at both the junior and senior levels will be considered. US citizenship is required. Interested parties are invited to submit a vita and a statement of research goals to Andrew Dienstfrey at andrew.dienstfrey [at] nist.gov.

NIST is a Federal measurement science and engineering laboratory with state-of-the-art research facilities in Gaithersburg, MD and Boulder, CO and excellent benefits. For information on what it’s like to work at NIST, see https://www.nist.gov/careers/working-nist. US citizenship is required. NIST is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

NIST/NRC Postdoctoral Associateship Program

NIST, in collaboration with the National Research Council (NRC), conducts several national competitions each year to identify outstanding scientists and engineers at the postdoctoral level for two-year research appointments at the NIST Laboratories in Gaithersburg, MD and Boulder, CO. For details on this opportunity, see our Postdoctoral Research Opportunities page.

Student Employment Opportunities

1. High School Internship Program

   This program provides an opportunity for a limited number of high school junior and senior students with a serious interest in the mathematical and computational sciences to work with staff members in areas of mathematical modeling, visualization, algorithms, and high performance computing that are applied to NIST problems. All positions are unpaid volunteer in nature.

2. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

   This program allows undergraduate students to spend 10 to 12 weeks at NIST, working directly with staff members, to participate in research related to mathematical modeling, visualization, algorithms, and high performance computing.

3. Professional Research Experience Program (PREP)

   Designed by the NIST Boulder Laboratories to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students.

For details on each of these programs, see our Student Employment Opportunities page.