BFRL: Heat Transfer and Alternative Energy Systems Group

Heat Transfer and Alternative Energy Systems Group

Employment Opportunity

The Heat Transfer and Alternative Energy Systems Group is seeking new staff to assist in its photovoltaic program. The candidate will investigate the performance of photovoltaic panels under a variety of conditions that aim to replicate those seen in outdoor operation. Research would initially take place to characterize the performance of photovoltaic modules in a state-of-the art solar simulator recently obtained by NIST, while use of advanced lighting technologies to mimic sunlight will also be examined. In addition to this experimental work, the candidate may evaluate computer models that have been developed to predict the performance of solar energy systems.

We are interested in recent graduates with an M.S., Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in science and engineering, as well as candidates with some years of experience in research and/or practice. It is expected that the candidate will work with current staff to develop his or her own research area in the area of alternative energy systems as they relate to the built environment.

These are excellent opportunities for individuals with strong technical credentials in academia or industry who want to consider public service and are interested in a challenging career in research. For those already in government service, this is an excellent opportunity to work in a premier federal science agency with top-notch scientific and engineering researchers. The NIST staff includes three Nobel laureates, a MacArthur Fellow winner, a National Medal of Science winner, an astronaut who has flown twice on the space shuttle as a mission specialist, and several members of the National Academies. NIST is integral to the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) announced by the President in February 2006. The ACI calls for a doubling of the inflation-adjusted budget for NIST's core laboratory and facilities programs over the next decade. BFRL is one of the Nation's primary federal laboratories serving the construction and building industries and has statutory responsibilities for fire prevention and control, earthquake hazards reduction, windstorm impact reduction, and building and fire safety investigations.

NIST would appreciate hearing from candidates as soon as possible, though NIST will entertain applications until the positions are filled. While U.S. citizenship is required for permanent NIST positions, non-U.S. citizens employed by U.S. universities may be considered for assignments to NIST under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA).

Interested applicants should submit resumes with contact information or should direct any questions to Bill Healy, william.healy@nist.gov, telephone: 301-975-4922.

NIST is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce

Last updated: 8/22/2007