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PostDoctoral Associate, Research Associate

Requisition Number:

52698

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

31-Dec-2023

Date Posted:

29-Nov-2023

Job Summary

The Quantum Sensors Division at the University of Colorado (CU) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks a Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate to design and test superconducting micro- and nano-electronics. These electronics will consist of specialized sensors for electromagnetic radiation and particles at energies of 20 keV and above. The sensors will make use of superconducting materials, low temperatures, and quantum mechanical effects. Key goals are to realize faster, more sensitive, and larger format sensor arrays. Successful applicants will also support integration of sensors and readout circuitry into spectrometers that will be deployed to scientific and lab facilities.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The position is within the Quantum Sensors Division [https://www.nist.gov/pml/quantum-sensors], a joint collaboration between NIST and CU. The Quantum Calorimeters group within the division advances the detection of single photons and particles in a variety of application areas using superconducting sensors and readout electronics.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • Postdoctoral Associates work under the full-time mentorship of a senior researcher in preparation for transition into a career. They are expected to carry out difficult and complex assignments in a scientific, engineering, mathematics or information technology discipline and develop new methods, approaches, and procedures usually in cooperation with coworkers related to this position.
  • Research Associates are expected to plan and carry out difficult and complex assignments in a scientific, engineering, mathematics or information technology discipline and develop new methods, approaches, and procedures usually in cooperation with coworkers or advisors related to this position.
  • Mutual Responsibilities:
    • Design and test cryogenic devices including superconducting thermal kinetic inductance detectors (TKIDs) and transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters, along with readout systems for arrays of cryogenic sensors.
    • Develop microcalorimeter spectrometers built from cryogenic sensor arrays and implement them in measurement applications in the basic and applied sciences. Application areas presently of interest include fundamental symmetries in nuclear physics, terrestrial and cosmic background chracterization for quantum information, nuclear materials analysis, gamma-ray astrophysics, x-ray fundamental parameters metrology, and spectroscopy of exotic atoms.
    • Interact with collaborators on the operation and application of cryogenic sensor instruments.
    • Develop new applications for cryogenic microcalorimeter sensors as well as pursue both internal and external funding.
    • Regularly communicate work status to group members and disseminate results through internal and external publications and presentations.
    • Interact with internal and external collaborators.
    • Disseminate results through publications and presentations.

What We Can Offer

  • The salary range for the full-time Postdoctoral Associate position is $68,750 - $90,000 annually.
  • The salary range for the full-time Research Associate position is $71,500 - $116,955 annually.
  • Onboarding/relocation assistance may be available, however, if within a 12-month period you exercise your right to willfully terminate your employment with the University of Colorado, you hereby agree to reimburse the department for your relocation expenses.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • PhD degree or equivalent in Physics, Applied Physics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or related field.

What You Will Need

  • Must be a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident for certain application spaces.
  • Postdoctoral Associates: up to 5 years of experience.
  • Research Associates: 5 - 10 years of experience.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:
  1. Resume or CV
  2. Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.

Applications will be screened as they are received. The position will remain posted until December 31, 2023.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu