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Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate

Requisition Number:

71497

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

21-May-2026

Date Posted:

07-May-2026
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Job Summary

This position seeks a Postdoctoral Associate or Research Associate with a strong interest in radio frequency (RF) noise measurements and instrument development.  The successful candidate will identify high-priority metrology R&D topics within sensing and noise metrology, conducting systematic research of considerable scope and complexity.  Key technical areas include low-noise components and systems, precision noise measurements, microwave uncertainty analysis, and on-wafer and time-domain measurements.  As a subject matter expert, the candidate will provide technical guidance to stakeholders across the microwave metrology and semiconductor industries.  Additionally, the role involves proposing and leading research plans, contributing to industry standards organizations, and disseminating findings through high-impact technical conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP).  NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award.  The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields.  Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder.  PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists. 

 

The particular group that needs a researcher is the Shared Spectrum Metrology Group at NIST.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • Design and develop RF instrumentation for noise measurements on amplifiers and transistors.
  • Develop data acquisition and instrument control software for automating microwave noise measurements.
  • Conduct uncertainty analysis of microwave scattering-parameter, microwave power and microwave noise measurements.
  • Develop analysis tools for time-domain noise signal data.
  • Document research progress and write reports and papers suitable for scientific journals and conferences.

What You Should Know

This position requires the successful completion of a NAIS agreement and federal security clearance as mandated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).  Employment is contingent upon approval of these requirements as determined by NIST.

 Privacy Act Statement

Authority:  15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)

Purpose:  The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor’s degree holders, graduate students, master’s degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.  

PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics.  This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.

Routine Uses:  NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements.  Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices:  NIST-1: NIST Associates. 

Disclosure:  Furnishing this information is voluntary.  When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.  By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.

What We Can Offer

  • The salary range for the full-time Postdoctoral Associate position is $74,000 - $108,000 annually.
  • The salary range for the full-time Research Associate position is $78,000 - $135,000 annually.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • Postdoctoral Associate:  PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field with 0 – 4 years of post-doctoral degree experience.
  • Research Associate:  PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field with 5+ years of post-doctoral degree experience.

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Three (3) years of relevant experience including graduate research.
  • Experience with RF instrumentation, including signals generation, mixing, and detection.
  • Experience with microwave scattering-parameter, microwave power, microwave system characterization.
  • Signals processing, including Fourier transforms and modulated waveforms.
  • Data analysis with Matlab, Python, LabView, Visual Studio, or similar programming language.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

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 the letter of recommendation immediately following your application. 
 
Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until May 21, 2026.
 
Note:  Application materials will not be accepted via email.  For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Lisa Valencia

Posting Contact Email: recruitprep@colorado.edu