ITL Opportunities

Organization Profile

An agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the National Institute of Standards and Technology's primary mission is to promote U.S. economic growth by working with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements, and standards. NIST's Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) is responding to the growing need for measurement and testing technology to support the development of computing and communications systems that are usable, scalable, interoperable, and secure. This need has come into sharper focus in recent years with the national effort to develop an information infrastructure and to support U.S. industry in a global information marketplace.

ITL has programs in three major areas:

1. Developing tests for human-machine interfaces, software diagnostics and performance, computer and network security, advanced network technologies, mathematical software, and conformance to standards;
2. Collaborative research and operational services in the mathematical, statistical, and computational sciences and in information services; and
3. Federal computer and network security activities.

Employment Opportunities

All indicated employment opportunities are POTENTIAL OPENINGS. NIST is collecting resumes in anticipation that potential openings will materialize. These potential openings are classified into two categories: (1) current interest and (2) future interest. The resumes submitted for openings of current interest will be acknowledged and considered; the resumes submitted for openings of future interest will be retained for future action.

APPLIED AND COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS DIVISION

CURRENT INTEREST: Applicants are sought for two-year postdoctoral research positions at NIST Laboratories in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Boulder, Colorado. Research areas of interest include combinatorial and discrete algorithms, dynamical systems, network science, applied optimization, special functions, quantum information, cryptography, applied mechanics, fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, materials modeling, computational biology, immersive visualization, parallel and distributed computing, mathematical software, software testing, and uncertainty quantification for simulations. Candidates and their research proposals are evaluated in a competitive process managed by the National Research Council (NRC) Associateship Programs. For further details, see http://www.nist.gov/itl/math/mcsd-postdoctoral-opportunities.cfm. Application deadlines are February 1 and August 1. Appointments commence within one year of selection.
 

FUTURE INTEREST: Mathematicians or Computer Scientists at the Senior level.

DUTIES: We anticipate a need for candidates with demonstrated research expertise in uncertainty quantification for scientific computing. Of particular interest are candidates who also have experience in materials modeling, statistics, or risk analysis. Activities include research consistent with Division and Laboratory goals, as well as consulting and collaboration with colleagues in other NIST technical units. Candidates are expected to publish and present research results in a variety of forums.
 

FUTURE INTEREST: Computer Scientists, Applied Mathematicians, Physical Scientists, or Engineers at the Senior level.

DUTIES: Candidates are being sought with demonstrated research expertise in scientific visualization. Areas of interest include visualization tools, immersive environments, data exploration, and applications. Activities include extensive consulting and collaboration with colleagues in other NIST technical units, as well as leadership in the development and use of facilities and tools for scientific visualization.

ADVANCED NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES DIVISION

http://www.nist.gov/itl/antd/current-opportunities

CURRENT INTEREST: Applicants are sought for two-year postdoctoral research positions at NIST Laboratories in Gaithersburg. Research areas of interest include next-generation Internet architectures and technologies, modeling and analysis of complex information systems, network function virtualization and software-defined networking, network anomaly detection and traffic modeling, advanced DDoS mitigation techniques, and networked cyber-physical systems. Candidates and their research proposals are evaluated in a competitive process managed by the National Research Council (NRC) Associateship Programs. Application deadlines are February 1 and August 1. Appointments commence within one year of selection.

FUTURE INTEREST: We anticipate multiple positions for Computer Scientists, Electronics Engineers, Mathematicians, and Computer Engineers at the Entry, Junior, and Senior levels. Anticipated needs of specific programs are outlined below. Senior-level positions would require demonstrated research expertise in the areas listed, Junior- and Entry-level positions would require demonstrated interest and ability to contribute to the program of work.

• Robust Inter-Domain Routing  - We anticipate a need for candidates with interests/experience in global Internet routing security and robustness, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), measurement monitoring and analysis of global BGP behavior,  BGP security and performance issues, and next-generation routing architectures. Specific desirable experience: IETF RPKI / BGPSEC specifications, analysis of Routeviews / RIPE RIS data, software development on open source router platforms (Quagga, BIRD, etc.), protocol development in C, use of cryptographic libraries, and cryptographic acceleration.

• High-Assurance Domains - We anticipate a need for candidates with interests/experience in Domain Name System (DNS) technologies, DNSSec security protocols, IETF DANE technologies to leverage the DNS as a key discovery and management infrastruture, use of DANE and other DNSSec-enabled technologies, X.509/PKIX certificate technologies, TLS /SSL implementation, and SMIME / PGP email security protocols. Specific desirable experience includes python and java development of network protocols, web development with AJAX, browser extension/plugin technologies, or email user agent development.

• Network Anomaly Detection / Traffic Modeling / Synthetic Traffic Generation - We anticipate a need for candidates with interests/experience in network anomaly detection, network intrusion detection, synthetic traffic generation, statistical modeling of network traffic, machine learning, and test and instrumentation of NAD/NID systems. Specific desirable experience includes SiLK traffic analysis tools, NAD/NID design and development, and multidimensional statistical analysis of Internet scale network traffic. 

• Network Function Virtualization / Software Defined Networking - We anticipate a need for candidate with interests/experience in network virtualization, network service function chaining, software-defined networks, technologies and techniques to address robustness safety and security of virtualized network services,  novel applications of NFV/SDN to domains such as network security and intrusion detection, support of machine-to-machine communications, support of advanced mobility and cloud computing. Specific desirable experience includes development with open source SDN/NFV platforms such as OpenDayLight and Openflow, and simulation and emulation modeling environments for SDN / NFV technologies. 

• Measurement Science of Complex Networks- We anticipate a need for candidates with interests/experience in research and development of techniques to measure, predict, and control macroscopic / emergent behavior in complex information systems, modeling and analysis techniques to characterize Internet scale networks and distributed systems, use of genetic algorithms to search for rare events, and runtime techniques to predict phase transitions in system behavior. Specific desirable experience includes simulation modeling with SLX, statistical experiment design and data analysis techniques for large-scale systems, and network measurement and monitoring technologies.

• Advanced DDoS Mitigation Techniques - We anticipate a need for candidates with interests/experience in new techniques and systems to detect and mitigate large-scale distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, tractable means to prevent the exchange of spoofed data and control traffic, techniques to address DDoS attacks in virtualized network and computing architectures, and techniques to measure and monitor the effectiveness of DDoS mitigation techniques. Specific desirable experience includes measurement and analysis of IP spoofing mechanisms at Internet scales. 

• Networked Cyber-Physical Systems – We anticipate a need for candidates with interests/experience in networked control systems, simulation and design techniques for co-simulation / co-design of cyber and physical components, metrics and techniques for prediction, validation, and understanding of the properties of NCPS, and the application of emerging network technologies (e.g., software-defined networking, cloud architectures, network virtualization) to NCPS. Specific desirable experience includes simulation/emulation of NCPS, NCPS testbed development, Internet of Things technologies, and NCPS application domains including smart manufacturing, intelligent transportation, and critical infrastructure protection.

• Next-Generation Internet Architectures - We anticipate a need for candidates with interests/experience in next-generation network architectures, including fundamentally new approaches to content delivery, service architectures, management and control, security and privacy, disruption tolerant networking, and handling of mobility. Of particular interest is measurement and modeling techniques that enable quantitative comparisons between significant NGIA proposals emerging from the academic research community. Specific desirable experience includes simulation / emulation modeling of Information Centric Networking architectures, CCNx, and other prototype ICN systems. 

COMPUTER SECURITY DIVISION

FUTURE INTEREST: Multiple positions for Cryptographers, Computer Specialists, Computer Scientists, Electronics Engineers, and Mathematicians at the Entry, Junior, and Senior levels.

DUTIES: Develops security standards, metrics, guidelines, conformance/evaluation programs; conducts security research and implements prototypes to test proposed concepts; supports outreach, awareness, and education of customers; publishes and presents results; develops and programs new applications; hosts and leads government-industry-academia collaborations to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information on IT, including devices, systems, networks, applications, and infrastructures. Specific areas of technical expertise are cryptography (algorithms, key management, authentication, hashing, etc.), security automation, security protocols, cyber-physical sytems, communication protocols and services (BGP, IPsec, VOIP, IPv6, 802.1x, etc.), mobile and wireless systems, biometrics, malware, smart cards, identity management, intellectual property protection, security administration, contingency planning, risk management, policy, training, education, intrusion detection, vulnerability analysis, security testing and assurance, access control, embedded systems, RFID, and security checklist/hardening guides. Those with graduate degrees in cyber security, computer science, mathematics, or closely related fields are particularly encouraged to apply. Programming skills in C#, C++, Java and Perl.

INFORMATION ACCESS DIVISION

FUTURE INTEREST: Multiple positions for Computer Scientists and Electronics Engineers at the Entry, Junior, and Senior levels.

SPEECH GROUP
DUTIES: Assist in conducting research in spoken language data collection, processing, and analysis. Develop software and provide systems administration support involving UNIX, C, X-Windows, and Motif.

VISUALIZATION AND USABILITY GROUP
DUTIES: Conduct research in information visualization for digital library, virtual manufacturing, anthropometric modeling, and Web applications with an emphasis on measurement. Develop software prototypes, metrics, test methods, measurement tools, and baseline reference data for Web usability evaluation. Conduct research in evaluation methodologies for collaborative computing applications. Program graphics, Web, VRML, and JAVA applications using advanced information visualization, interface design, and usability evaluation approaches.

IMAGE GROUP
DUTIES: Assist in conducting research in biometrics technologies, evaluating accuracy of biometric matcher systems, test methodology, algorithms, and analysis of test results. Develop evaluation software and provide systems administration support.

SOFTWARE AND SYSTEMS DIVISION

FUTURE INTEREST: Multiple positions for Computer Scientists, Software Engineers, and Applied Mathematicians at the Entry, Junior, Senior, and Post-Doctoral levels.

DUTIES: Conduct basic and applied research directed toward the development of software conformance test methods and tools, new software standards, and software diagnostic tools. Develop test and measurement tools and methods; standard reference materials for computer forensics; and analytical and simulation methods for evaluations of technologies. Use XML technologies to develop client/server applications including test suites, registries, and automatic test generation tools. Apply research results to application domains such as electronic commerce, healthcare, and computer forensics. Assist industry, government, and standards organizations in improving software quality and the quality of software standards specifications. Develop reference implementations and reference materials, software diagnostic tools, and conformance test suites. Collect software assurance reference programs. Investigate methods of digital archival storage. Publish and present research results. Program in C, C++, Java, PHP, Python, JavaScript, etc. under UNIX or Windows. Develop parsers, program analysis methods, and testing tools. Develop information models and UML models, design and develop registries and databases including user interfaces using XML technologies and SQL. Apply formal methods to develop mathematical specifications for software conformance tests and software weakness classes.

STATISTICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION

FUTURE INTEREST: Up to three positions for Mathematical Statisticians with applied research experience, especially in the forensic sciences (Gaithersburg, MD) or advanced communications (Boulder, CO).

DUTIES: Provide statistical expertise and leadership in multidisciplinary collaborations with physical scientists, engineers, and computer scientists on modeling, measurement, calibration, and process characterization. Lead statistical research to develop new methodologies, to develop and implement new statistical computation and graphical representations for complex and/or high-dimensional data. Specific technical expertise is required in modern data analysis and linear models, variance component analysis, experimental design, generalized linear models, statistical computation and graphics, Bayesian inference, stochastic processes, theory of inference or applied probability modeling, with demonstrated research ability in one of these. Strong interest or curiosity in a physical science, engineering, or information technology or other area of NIST application is desired for interdisciplinary collaboration. Commonly used statistical analysis packages include R and Matlab, plus more specialized Bayesian computation and statistical graphics software. Collaborative research usually involves modification of established data analysis protocols or development of advanced statistical methods; excellent communication skills (written and oral) are essential. Research on statistical problems relevant to NIST and Statistical Engineering Division missions may be collaborative or individual, and is expected to make a substantial contribution to the relevant field of science or to the field of statistics.

BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

COMPUTER SCIENTIST:
Applicants must have a Bachelor's or higher degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have been in any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus.

ENGINEER:
Degree in professional engineering from an accredited institution of engineering or equivalent, which includes differential and integral calculus and course work in five of the following areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure properties); (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics; OR combination of education and experience: college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding , both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.

MATHEMATICIAN:
(A) Degree: mathematics or the equivalent of a major that included at least 24 semester hours in mathematics. OR
(B) Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major in mathematics (including at least 24 semester hours in mathematics), as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The total course work in either A or B above must have included differential and integral calculus and, in addition, four advanced mathematics courses requiring calculus or equivalent courses as a prerequisite.

MATHEMATICAL STATISTICIAN:
(A) Degree that included 24 semester hours of mathematics and statistics, of which at least 12 semester hours were in mathematics and 6 semester hours were in statistics. OR
(B) Combination of education and experience: at least 24 semester hours of mathematics and statistics, including at least 12 hours in mathematics and 6 hours in statistics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

PHYSICIST:
(A) Degree: physics or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics. OR
(B) Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In either A or B above, the courses must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, APPLICANTS MUST HAVE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND/OR DIRECTLY RELATED EDUCATION IN THE AMOUNTS SHOWN BELOW:

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT STANDARD CRITERIA

The Superior Academic Achievement Standard Criteria for employment in NIST are as follows: (1) 2.9 out of a possible 4.0 GPA for all courses completed during all four undergraduate years or during the final two years; or (2) 3.45 out of a possible 4.0 GPA for all required courses completed in the major field during all four undergraduate years or during the final two years; or (3) class standing in the upper third of the graduating class in the college,university or major subdivision; or (4) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society above freshman level.

ZP-II: (Entry level positions, equivalent to GS-7/9) One year of graduate-level education, or superior academic achievement (GPA 2.90) OR one year of specialized experience, related to the job to be filled, equivalent to the next lower grade level.

ZP-III: (Junior level positions, equivalent to GS-11/12) Master's or equivalent degree OR one year of specialized experience, related to the job to be filled, equivalent to the next lower grade level; Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree OR one year of specialized experience, related to the job to be filled, equivalent to the next lower grade level.

ZP-IV: (Senior level positions, equivalent to GS-13/14) One year of specialized experience, related to the job to be filled, equivalent to the next lower grade level.

SALARIES: From $30,000+ to $80,000+. Researchers with significant experience may be considered for positions in the $90,000 range.

OTHER: Positions offer excellent career benefits and professional growth opportunities. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action Employer. U. S. Citizenship required. Department of Commerce employees eligible for the Career Transition Plan (CTAP) and applicants eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Plan (ICTAP) may receive priority consideration. Those wishing to apply under these programs must submit a copy of their RIF separation notice. Please send your Optional Applicant for Federal Employment (OF-612), OR resume; your college transcripts, addendum sheet addressing skills stated in the description of duties, and documentation verifying veterans preference if claimed to:

Kathleen Roberts
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Information Technology Laboratory
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8900
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8900
Phone: (301) 975-2982
Fax: (301) 975-2378
Email: kroberts [at] nist.gov (kroberts[at]nist[dot]gov)